Blood in the Stools
Alternate Names : Rectal Bleeding, Hematochezia
What can be done to prevent the symptom?
Careful management of disorders like Crohn's disease or ulcerative
colitis may prevent blood in the stools. Careful monitoring and
treatment of
hemorrhoids also may prevent blood in the stool. Avoiding excess
alcohol may decrease this risk. Some causes of blood in the stool
cannot be prevented, but prompt treatment may make rectal bleeding less likely.
What are the long-term effects of the symptom?
Long-term effects of blood in the stools depend on the underlying cause. If the
cause is an
anal fissure or hemorrhoids, treatment may stop the bleeding.
Bleeding caused by diverticulitis may improve when the diverticulitis is
treated with diet, antibiotics, or surgery. If the underlying cause of the
bloody stools is colorectal cancer, permanent damage to the intestine
may occur, or the cancer may be fatal.
What are the risks to others?
Blood in the stools is not contagious.
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