What does it mean to have bloody stool?
Bloody stool can result from hemorrhoids, anal fissures, ulcers, IBD, or colorectal cancer. Bright red or dark blood in your poop should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
Certain changes do not cause concern regarding your bowel movements, but blood spotted in your stool, toilet paper, or toilet bowl could indicate a serious medical issue.
Several causes of bloody stool, such as ulcers, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or colorectal cancer, may all contribute to the condition.
When figuring out the bleeding, it may be helpful for you to understand the possible root cause of your bloody stool and any associated symptoms.
Even so, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a health care provider as soon as you notice blood in your stool, especially if you have any other or more severe symptoms such as a nasal discharge, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain along with it.
Causes of Bloody Stool
A variety of factors can cause stools with blood. Blood in your stool can tell your healthcare provider where the bleeding occurs if you identify its colour. If bleeding from your colon or rectum, your stool usually reveals bright red blood. However, dark red blood may indicate colon or small intestine bleeding.
There is a possibility of bleeding in the stomach when the stool is red-brown or tar-like.
Overview of Bloody Stool Causes and Associated Symptoms
| Cause | Type of Blood | Common Symptoms | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemorrhoids | Bright red | Itching, irritation, swelling, pain | Mild to moderate |
| Anal fissures | Bright red | Sharp pain during bowel movement | Mild |
| Ulcers | Dark red or black | Burning pain, nausea | Moderate to severe |
| Diverticulitis | Bright or dark red | Abdominal cramps, fever, nausea | Moderate |
| IBD (Crohn's, UC) | Bright red or mucus | Diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain | Chronic, needs care |
| Polyps or cancer | Bright or dark red | Fatigue, changes in bowel habits | Urgent |
| STIs (e.g. chlamydia) | Pink or red spotting | Painful urination, discharge | Needs testing |
Anal Fissures and Rectal Bleeding
An anal fissure is a tear in the canal that houses the muscles that control your bowel movements.
Anal fissures can cause the following conditions in addition to anal spasms and discomfort:
- Pain that gets worse during bowel movements
- Bright red bleeding or blood in stool
- Constipation
The formation of anal fissures may be triggered by prolonged diarrhoea or hard stool passing.
It is possible to heal anal fissures by changing certain lifestyle habits, such as drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of fibre.
Hemorrhoids and Blood in Poop
The anus and rectum are affected by haemorrhoids when their veins and blood vessels become irritated and swollen.
In addition to pregnancy, straining during bowel movements, and chronic constipation and diarrhoea, haemorrhoids can also be caused by several factors.
Symptoms of haemorrhoids include:
- Anus pain and irritation
- Blood in stool with a bright red colour
- The anus is swollen or lumpy.
- An itching sensation
The severity of your haemorrhoids, your health, and your age all play a role in treating haemorrhoids. A warm water sitz bath, ice packs, or haemorrhoid cream may be recommended by your provider to ease your pain and symptoms.
Surgery may be necessary in more severe cases.
Anal Abscesses and Fistulas
An anal abscess or fistula can develop when the small glands inside the anus become infected. Abscesses are glands that have accumulated pus, and fistulas are tiny tunnels connecting abscesses to the skin.
Many conditions can cause anal abscesses or fistulas, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), tuberculosis, and radiation treatments. In most cases, a fistula requires surgery.
Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis: Bloody Stool Causes
Various conditions affect the large intestine, including diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
A diverticulum is a slight bulge or pocket (or "diverticula") in the colon; it usually does not cause symptoms.
Diverticulitis, however, can result from diverticulosis, inflammation, and infection of one or more diverticula.
Diverticulitis can cause the following symptoms:
Lower left abdominal pain, tenderness, or sensitivity
- Abdominal cramps
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood in stool
- Diarrhea (less common)
- Chills
- Fever
If you have diverticulitis, you can treat it with various measures, depending on the severity of your condition.
If the infection is diagnosed, your provider may recommend antibiotics, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, or surgery.
IBD and Bloody Stool: Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are examples of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are examples of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Common IBD symptoms include:
- Blood or mucus in the stool (often diarrhea)
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting (more common in Crohn's)
- Constipation (more common with UC)
- Painful bowel movements
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
Even though IBD has no known cure, some medications can help manage symptoms. These include antibiotics, biologics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids.
Can Ulcers Cause Bloody Stools?
There are various types of peptic ulcers, including ones in the stomach or duodenum. Several factors can cause an ulcer, including infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or food digestion acids damaging the stomach or intestines. It is also possible for ulcers to bleed, resulting in dark red or black stools and burning stomach pain.
Peptic ulcers can be treated with several medications.
Colon Polyps and Bleeding Bowel Movements
Colon polyp refers to a growth on the lining of the large intestine, whether flat, slightly raised, or on a stalk.
Genes in colon cells cause them to grow.
It is common for polyps to cause no symptoms at their earliest stages. Different screening procedures, such as colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, and CT scans, are used to detect them.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Stools with blood
- Loss of weight or anemia
- Changing patterns of bowel movements
- Inflammation of the abdomen (rare)
Your provider will be responsible for removing a polyp for testing to determine its type, which will determine your treatment. Cancer can develop from colon polyps if left untreated.
STIs and Rectal Bleeding
Syphilis, chlamydia, herpes simplex virus, and gonorrhea are some sexually transmitted infections that can cause rectal bleeding.
Ask your provider which testing option is right for you if you are sexually active, experiencing rectal bleeding, and have not been screened recently for STIs.
Colorectal Cancer and Blood in Stool
Colorectal cancer can cause bloody stool in rare cases.
The following symptoms may also be present if additional symptoms are present:
- Pressure or pain in the rectal area
- Blood in stool, underwear, or toilet paper that is bright red, maroon, or black
- Uncertainty of mind
- A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness
- The fainting feeling
You should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience any of the above symptoms.
How Bloody Stool Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing rectal bleeding requires speaking with a medical professional.
Your provider will likely ask several questions about your symptoms and health history.
An examination of your rectum and anus may be performed after your provider better understands what's going on.
There may be additional testing involved, such as:
- A colonoscopy
- A sigmoidoscopy
- A fecal occult blood test
Treatment for Bloody Stool
Your bloody stool and/or rectal bleeding will be treated differently depending on the cause.
You should consult a medical provider if you experience symptoms for more information.
Blood in Stool: Adults vs. Children
Adults can have blood in their stool due to one of the causes we have discussed.
Blood in stool is most commonly caused by:
- Strep skin infection
- Bacterial diarrhoea
- Anal fissures
- Cow's milk colitis
You should contact your pediatrician within 24 hours if your child has small blood in their stool but no other symptoms.
In addition to the above symptoms, children should seek medical attention immediately if they experience the following:
- A bruise that is not caused by an injury to the skin
- If your child is less than 12 weeks old
- Pink or tea-coloured urine
- Stomach pain
- Bloody diarrhoea
When to See a Doctor for Blood in Stool
You should seek medical attention if you notice bloody stool, especially if it persists over several days. Bloody stools can be caused by many things, from mild to severe.
Adults should seek immediate medical attention if they experience the following symptoms:
- Blood pressure suddenly drops.
- An elevated heart rate
- Urination problems
- Insomnia
- Fainting
Frequently Asked Questions About Bloody Stool
Is bloody stool an emergency?
It can be. Bright red or black stool with fainting, vomiting, or dizziness requires immediate medical attention. Otherwise, speak to a doctor if it persists.
What causes blood in stool without pain?
Painless rectal bleeding is often due to hemorrhoids or polyps. It's essential to get evaluated to rule out serious causes like colon cancer.
Can stress cause bloody stool?
Stress itself doesn't cause bleeding, but it can worsen conditions like IBS, which may lead to irritation or flare-ups that trigger rectal bleeding.
What does bright red blood in poop mean?
Bright red blood usually indicates bleeding from the lower digestive tract, such as hemorrhoids, fissures, or rectal irritation.
Is bloody poop normal after constipation?
Hard straining can cause anal fissures or hemorrhoids, leading to bloody stool. See a doctor if it happens frequently or is heavy.
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