Several causes can explain the presence of blood in the stools (called rectal bleeding). Some benign, others more serious.
Every morning, the stools of King Louis XIV were scrupulously analyzed; Indeedthe condition of our stools, in particular their color and their consistency, is a good indicator of our general state of health. The presence of blood in the stools of which medical term is “rectorrhagia” should be the subject of a medical consultation.
What is the normal color of stools?
In a healthy person, according to the Bristol scale, the healthy stools are brown to brown, molded under the shape of a sausage. Healthy people pass stools at least 3 times a week and expulsion occurs without pain or effort.
Red or black blood?
► If the blood emitted from the anus is bright redit is not digested.
► When it turns black, it is digested blood or melena, more difficult to visualize. However, the emission of black stools is often accompanied by a nauseating, even fetid, odor.
What causes blood in the stool?
In most cases, the bleeding is coming from the colon, anus, or rectum. The causes are very diverse. Blood in the stools, called rectal bleeding, is a mild symptom or a sign of a more severe illness: the cause must always be sought and identified.
► Bleeding and diarrhea: “Illnesses causing repeated diarrhea can lead to the presence of blood in the stools,” explains Doctor Sophie Bauer, President of the union of private doctors. It may be, for example, a gastroenteritis responsible for episodes of acute infectious diarrhea. And the doctor added: “So-called sero-bloody diarrhea should be consulted by your doctor.”
►An inflammatory disease: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can be the cause of rectal bleeding. The most common pathologies are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Inflammation of the rectum, caused by a sexually transmitted infectionis also a risk factor for the presence of blood in the stools.
► Polyp and cancer : Rectorrhagia can be indicative of a tumor in the digestive tract. We speak of a polyp when the tumor is benign. It can also be malignant, in the case of colorectal cancer For example. “Small polyps are easily removed during a colonoscopy, thanks to non-invasive surgery that can be carried out at the same time as the diagnostic colonoscopy, the reference examination in the event of rectal bleeding, says Dr. Bauer. This is not the case with the colonoscanner. For large polyps or in the event of suspicion of a malignant tumor, the doctor takes a sample for analysis. Depending on the anatomopathology of the polyp, surgery after analysis may be necessary.”
► Blood in stools and hemorrhoids : “Blood in the stools can come from hemorrhoids: these are small varicose veins that develop in the anus, a bit like an angioma.” Hemorrhoids are theone of the most common causes of rectal bleeding. Bleeding from a hemorrhoid can be heavy. It is most often painless and occurs just after passing stools. Hemorrhoids are internal (at the rectum) or external (at the anal mucosa).
► An anal fissure: Anal fissure is a condition common in chronic constipation For example. The blood is then only present in traces on the toilet paper. “When the bleeding is linked to constipation, patients end up injuring themselves by pushing. The anal fissure can also be linked to inflammatory diseases causing constipation. The anal area must then be well cleaned to avoid infection You should not hesitate to consult your doctor, as anal fissure can be treated quite easily with an infiltration. Some treating doctors perform this medical procedure. Otherwise, the professional will refer you to a gastroenterologist.”specifies our doctor.
What about black stools (melena)?
“Black stools or melena are fecal matter mixed with blood that has been digested, we then speak of digestive bleeding. The digested blood has passed through the digestive tract, this confirms the presence of an underlying problem, such as an ulcer or more rarely a nosebleed that swallows, is found in the stoolsexplains the doctor. Sometimes it has nothing to do with blood: in fact, some drug treatments cause black stools, especially those containing iron, in case of anemia for example.”
When to consult?
Sophie Bauer is categorical: “The presence of blood in the stools should prompt you to seek medical attention. Rectorrhagia can be benign or be a sign of a more annoying health problem, such as inflammatory bowel disease, a polyp or tumor, a gastric or duodenal ulcer. You must therefore consult. The attending physician will refer you to a specialist: the gastroenterologist. An examination of the anus, a fibroscopy and/or a colonoscopy will undoubtedly be prescribed in order to implement an appropriate treatment.”
When to worry about bowel movements?
The normal color of stools, brown to brown, is due to bile produced in the liver and gallbladder. Stools that are too light can then reveal a problem with one or another organ, just like yellow or gray stools. It could be a biliary obstruction or hepatitis for example. If baby emits light stools, you have to go to the hospital emergency room. THE green stools can be caused by too rapid transit, reveal an intestinal infection or be linked to taking certain medications. In any case, if you are worried about the state of your stools, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Thanks to Dr Sophie Bauer, surgeon and President of the union of private doctors.