Blood in the stool

What to do with blood in stool?

If you notice blood in your stool, there is an important first parameter, namely the color of the blood. If the blood is bright red, it comes from a section at the end of the intestine (colon, rectum, anal canal, or anus). If the blood is dark brown or black, this indicates bleeding in the upper digestive tract (mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, or small intestine). If you have severe abdominal pain or pain at the anus, do not hesitate to see a doctor. 

What are the reasons for bleeding in the digestive tract?

There are many causes of bleeding in the digestive tract. Bleeding in the upper digestive tract can be caused by gastrointestinal ulcers, mostly in the stomach or duodenum, due to infections with Helicobacter pylori Are caused by bacteria. 

The intake of certain medications (e.g., painkillers with acetylsalicylic acid) can also attack the stomach lining. Heartburn caused by the reflux of stomach acid can also lead to injuries in the esophagus and cause bleeding, as can frequent vomiting, for example, due to eating disorders like bulimia or alcohol abuse. 

Tumors in the stomach or intestinal area are rarer but more dangerous. Not all tumors in the intestine are malignant, but an examination by a specialist is essential. Chronic inflammations in the intestinal tract (e.g., Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) are also causes of bleeding in the intestine. Some have also heard of polyps, usually benign mucosal growths in the intestine, which should be monitored because malignant cancerous ulcers could develop from them. Outpouchings of the intestinal wall, also called diverticula, can cause bleeding if they become inflamed. 

Infectious diseases such as typhoid or dysentery can cause blood in the stool. An imbalanced microbiome (bacterial colonization in the intestine) can lead to inflammation of the intestine (colitis) and bleeding. 

An infarction of vessels in the intestine, mostly in older people, can lead to bleeding. However, one of the most common vascular diseases in the rectum is Hemorrhoids. Depending on the stage of development and extent of the enlarged blood vessels in the rectum and anus, bleeding can occur. Injuries in the rectum, such as Anal fissures, Anal fistulas, or burst Hemorrhoids are a common cause of red blood in the stool. 

As you can see, there are many possible triggers for blood in the stool, but not all are immediately life-threatening; please have a doctor examine you.

When is blood in stool dangerous?

Especially with larger injuries in the intestine with significant blood loss, quick help is absolutely necessary to prevent bleeding out. Severe pain, poor condition, and circulatory problems are further important indicators here. 

In general, the doctor will look for the cause of blood in the stool. Ultrasound examinations as well as blood and stool samples can already provide some conclusions. Often, the cause is clear from the patient's medical history and special examinations such as a visual inspection by inserting a camera (endoscopy) into the body, for example a gastroscopy, colonoscopy, enteroscopy, or rectoscopy. Depending on the severity of the disease, the doctor will advise you on treatments. Most diseases are not life-threatening and can be treated well.

Blood in stool with hemorrhoids?

Blood in the stool with hemorrhoids is very common, but often a shock for those affected, as it is sometimes the first noticed symptom of hemorrhoids . Hemorrhoids are blood vessels in the rectum that every person naturally has. Hemorrhoids come in different forms and basically serve an important function, namely the fine sealing of the rectum (anus). Due to strong pressure in the abdominal area, heavy straining, or hard stool, the hemorrhoids can enlarge and thus lead to discomfort, the so-called hemorrhoidal disease. Colloquially, this is synonymous with the word hemorrhoids. When the hemorrhoids burst, blood appears in the stool, which you then notice directly during your next visit to the toilet. If you want to learn more about the causes and triggers of hemorrhoids or hemorrhoidal disease, we recommend our Blog post about hemorrhoids. CANNEFF SUP Rectal Suppositories with CBD and Hyaluronic Acid can help you with rapid treatment of hemorrhoids, pain from hemorrhoids, and accelerated healing of injuries in the anal canal (anus) and rectum. Also take a look at our Hemorrhoid Package .

Blood in stool with anal fissures?

Tears in the anus, so-called Anal fissures, are often accompanying symptoms of digestive problems and are usually caused by straining and hard stool. The tearing of the mucous membrane in the anal region then leads to bleeding that you can see in the stool. Furthermore, sexual practices, insertion of objects into the rectum, or sexual violence can lead to anal fissures. The degree of injury is decisive here to give a prognosis for healing. In most cases, injuries in the anal region heal again and you do not need to worry too much. But please get examined if you have pain and notice blood in your stool. Your doctor will prescribe the right treatments. As support, we recommend taking CANNEFF SUP Rectal Suppositories with CBD and Hyaluronic Acid for rapid healing of fissures and lesions in the anus and anal canal. 

Blood in Stool Summary