Blood in the Stools
Alternate Names : Rectal Bleeding, Hematochezia
Blood in the stools means that blood from somewhere in the body is being
excreted in the stool, or bowel movement.
What is going on in the body?
Blood in the stools can occur for many reasons. It can range from a small
amount of blood, as in blood-streaked stools, to large amounts of blood,
with bright red blood throughout the stool. Blood in the stools may come from
anywhere in the body, but the source is usually the gastrointestinal tract. The
gastrointestinal tract includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and
large intestine.
What are the causes and risks of the symptom?
Blood in the stools can be caused by many conditions. These include:
hemorrhoids, which are masses of small, dilated veins in or near the
anus
peptic
ulcer, which is an open sore or lesion in the lining of the stomach
or small intestine
colorectal cancer
food
poisoning
heavy metal poisoning, such as lead poisoning
esophageal varices, which are twisted, dilated veins that can cause
pain and bleeding in the esophagus
colorectal polyps, which are tumors in the bowel that may be
noncancerous or cancerous
Crohn's disease, which can cause inflammation in any part of the
gastrointestinal tract
diverticulitis, a condition that causes pockets in the intestine,
which can become inflamed and infected
anal
fissure, which is a tear in the lining of the anus
anorectal fistula, which is a crack in the lining of the anus that
extends to the muscle of the anus
ulcerative colitis, a disease that can cause swelling and sores in
the lining of the colon
bleeding disorders
abdominal injuries, such as
crush injuries from a car accident or a fall
a foreign body in the colon or rectum
alcohol abuse
dysentery or other intestinal disorders, such as Meckel's
diverticulum or intussusception
ulcerative proctitis, which is an inflammation of the rectum and
anus
certain tests or procedures, such as a colonoscopy or polypectomy. During a colonoscopy, the
healthcare provider uses a flexible tube with a camera on the end to view the
lining of the large intestines. A polypectomy is the removal of a colorectal polyp, or growth, from
the intestinal lining.
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