I Have Blood in My Stool: Should I Be Concerned?
You glance down into the toilet bowl and notice something unusual: streaks of red in your stool. The sight of bloody stool is alarming, and it’s normal to wonder what could be causing it — and if you should be concerned.
It might be due to something harmless like hemorrhoids, but it could also be indicative of a more serious condition. Before you start jumping to conclusions, it’s time to seek medical advice.
Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS, and our team at North Tarrant Health Providers specialize in care for abdominal pain, hernias, and more. And if you have rectal bleeding, we can help you find answers.
Hemorrhoids: A common cause of blood in stool
Seeing blood in the toilet is unsettling, but you’re not alone. It’s a symptom that many people experience at some point in their lives, and there’s no reason to be embarrassed.
In fact, about one in 20 Americans has hemorrhoids, and hemorrhoids are the most common cause of blood in stool. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your rectum or anus. They form due to extra pressure in the area, often from straining during bowel movements or pregnancy and childbirth.
Hemorrhoids can be painful, itchy, and uncomfortable. They can also bleed during bowel movements, resulting in bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl.
Hemorrhoids are usually harmless, and most of the time, you can treat them with basic over-the-counter remedies. However, you should always go to the doctor if you have blood in your stool. Seeking medical care is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis and rule out other potential issues.
More serious causes of blood in stool
Sometimes, bloody stool can be a sign of a more serious condition that requires immediate attention. A few possible causes are severe food poisoning, gastrointestinal bleeding, and a hernia emergency. Let’s take a closer look:
Food poisoning
Blood in your stool might be a result of food poisoning. Food poisoning can cause symptoms like diarrhea, with or without blood, along with vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. While most cases of food poisoning resolve on their own within a few days, severe or prolonged symptoms may require medical attention to prevent dehydration or other complications.
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Whether it happens in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines, gastrointestinal bleeding exits your body via your stool. Depending on the severity and location of the bleeding, it may present as bright red blood or as darker, tarry stools known as melena.
Gastrointestinal bleeding can have various causes, like ulcers, inflammation, or cancerous growths, and it’s essential to seek prompt medical help.
Hernia emergency
Blood in your stool could be a symptom of a hernia emergency, particularly if you also experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. A hernia develops when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in overlying abdominal muscle or connective tissue.
While many hernias don’t cause symptoms, a strangulated hernia can cut off blood flow to the affected area and cause tissue damage and bleeding. If you suspect you may have a hernia emergency, seek emergency medical care.
Getting to the bottom of concerning symptoms
If you notice blood in your stool, don’t dismiss the symptom without proper evaluation. While it can be attributed to a relatively benign cause, it could also indicate a more serious condition.
Start getting answers and find the care you need at North Tarrant Health Providers in Fort Worth, Texas. Call our office at 817-904-4165 today, or request an appointment online at your convenience.