Having blood in the stool is never harmless. The cause, often benign, varies according to the color of the bleeding (red, black, etc.). Hemorrhoids, anal fissure, colorectal cancer… The point with our doctor.
To certify the presence of blood in the stool (clots, red, black blood…) can cause concern. It is certain that the presence of blood in the stool is an abnormal symptom to be seriously taken into account. The cause, often benign, varies according to the color of the bleeding. It is however strongly recommended to consult a doctor from the first bleeding. What are the warning signs? Is it serious to have blood in the stool? How to treat?
What is the medical name for bleeding stools?
There presence of blood in the stool is called hematochezia. A melena corresponds to an emission of blood through the anus. We are talking about melena when the blood is rather black.
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Red blood in the stool: where does it come from?
If the blood in the stool is Red colorit means that the hemorrhage is in the lower part of the digestive tract, in other words in the rectum or anus. In this case, the blood is mainly found on the paper, when wiping.
Black blood in the stool: where does it come from?
If the blood is blackit is referred to as “melena“. In this case, the stools are particularly foul-smelling (smell similar to garlic). The black color is due to the fact that the blood has been partially digested: lhemorrhage is therefore located in the upper part of the digestive tract, in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum or colon.
What causes blood in the stool?
Blood in the stool can be caused by:
- A lower gastrointestinal bleeding in the majority of cases caused by the presence hemorrhoids : the veins at the level of the anus dilate and bleed with the passage of the stools.
- Of the anal fissures, caused by the constipation or a inflammation of the rectal mucosa
- More serious pathologies, such as Crohn’s disease or the ulcerative colitis.
- A ruptured esophageal varices
- Of the polyps
- Peptic ulcers
- Colorectal cancer
What exams to do?
In some cases, the bleeding is not visible to the naked eye, then it is called “occult blood“. Only one biological stool analysis can reveal its presence. Additional examinations are then necessary to determine the exact origin, because the occult blood can indicate the presence of polyps or other tumors of the intestine.
When to worry? When to consult?
Even if blood loss is moderate, take appointment with your doctor to determine the cause. “At the slightest bleeding, it is best to consult“, insists Doctor Handschuh.
► If it ishemorrhoids or anal fissures, corticosteroid ointment and/or taking anti-inflammatories can quickly stop the phenomenon.
► Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) require specific long-term treatment.
► If the bleeding is due to damage to the digestive tract, drug treatment and/or surgery may be necessary to stop the bleeding.
► Colorectal cancer : bleeding in the stool is a possible sign of polyps even colorectal cancer. “From the age of 50, everyone can benefit from a screening testto be made at home, to avoid any risk of colorectal cancer“, recalls Dr. Handschuh, general practitioner. And to conclude that “the kit is delivered free by the attending physician to his patient and the analysis is automatically covered 100% by the Health Insurance“.
Thanks to Doctor Richard Handschuh, general practitioner.