Understanding the Causes of Blood in Stool (Rectal Bleeding)

By rjoachim | January 1, 2024

Lower digestive tract:

  • Hemorrhoids: These swollen veins around the anus are a very common cause of bright red blood on stool or toilet paper. Straining during bowel movements, constipation, or lifting heavy objects can worsen hemorrhoids.Opens in a new windowwikipedia.orgHemorrhoids
  • Anal fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus can cause bright red or maroon blood streaking on stool or toilet paper. They’re often accompanied by pain during bowel movements.Opens in a new windowclevelandclinic.orgAnal fissures
  • Diverticulitis: Inflamed pouches in the colon can bleed, causing bright red or maroon blood mixed with stool. You may also experience abdominal pain, fever, and chills.Opens in a new windowmayoclinic.orgDiverticulitis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to blood in stool that can be red, maroon, or black. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and urgency.Opens in a new windowwww.hopkinsmedicine.orgInflammatory bowel disease

Upper digestive tract:

  • Peptic ulcers: These open sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum can bleed, causing dark red or black stools, sometimes resembling coffee grounds. You may also experience heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.Opens in a new windowmy.clevelandclinic.orgPeptic ulcers
  • Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus can cause bright red blood vomiting or blood streaking on stool. Heartburn and difficulty swallowing are other common symptoms.Opens in a new windowgastro.orgEsophagitis
  • Mallory-Weiss tear: A tear in the lining of the esophagus from forceful vomiting can cause bright red blood vomiting or blood in stool.

Other causes:

  • Angiodysplasia: Abnormal blood vessels in the digestive tract can bleed, causing bright red blood in stool.
  • Colon cancer: In later stages, colon cancer can cause blood in stool, which may be dark red or maroon. Other symptoms include changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and weight loss.Opens in a new windowmy.clevelandclinic.orgColon cancer

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and any rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Here are some additional tips:

  • Pay attention to the color and location of the blood in your stool.
  • Be aware of any other symptoms you’re experiencing, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
  • Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any rectal bleeding, especially if it’s persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

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