For example, it is not uncommon for anal fissures, which are small tears in the thin, moist tissue that lines the anus, to cause bleeding while defecating. The same also applies to hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins that form in the lowest part of the rectum and anus. In this article, we will take a deep dive into some of the other medical conditions that can cause bloody stool and also the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.
BLOOD IN STOOL: WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE IT
The human body heals itself remarkably well. However, there are times when you must seek out medical intervention. In either case, the body will present you with symptoms that signify something is wrong. When it comes to bloody stool, the body is usually alerting you to the fact that bleeding is taking place somewhere within the digestive tract, which includes the rectum and anus.
That said, bleeding that starts in the rectum or anus is usually bright or dark red. Conversely, bleeding that starts in the upper digestive tract will generally cause the stool to appear black or tarry. Either way, individuals with significantly discolored stool should call their physician for an exam as soon as possible. Along with anal fissures and hemorrhoids, blood in your stool can signal any many additional health problems.
CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE BLOOD IN YOUR STOOL
DIVERTICULITIS
Rectal bleeding, also known as hematochezia, can sometimes be a sign of diverticulitis, which is a disease that adversely impacts the digestive tract. Individuals with diverticulitis will develop inflamed pouches that form in the lining of their intestines. If these pouches rupture, it can cause rectal bleeding, infections, fever, and abdominal pain. Rectal bleeding due to this specific health condition appears black or dark red most often. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 35 percent of Americans between the ages of 50 and 60 have diverticulitis.
ULCERATIVE COLITIS
In addition to abdominal pain and diarrhea, both of which stem from an overactive immune system, ulcerative colitis can also cause rectal bleeding. According to the Genetics Home Reference, a health website in partnership with the National Library of Medicine, over 750,000 Americans are struggling with this condition, which causes severe rectal bleeding when the colon is significantly ulcerated.
CROHN’S DISEASE
Much like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease is yet another inflammatory bowel disease that can cause rectal bleeding. In many cases, individuals with this condition will notice blood mixed in with diarrhea. Even when passing solid stool, the stool may appear bright or dark red. Ulcerative colitis also causes severe abdominal pain. What’s more, the rectal bleeding caused by this specific inflammatory bowel disease can cause numerous infections, including Shigella and Salmonella. Further, those with HIV, also known as the Human Immunodeficiency virus, may develop an infection known as cytomegalovirus. According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, over 780,000 Americans are struggling with Crohn’s disease.
ISCHEMIC COLITIS
This inflammatory bowel disease occurs when there is a reduction in blood flow to the colon. In most cases, the reduced blood flow is the result of a blood clot that blocks the artery that would otherwise supply blood to the colon. When this happens, the colon becomes ulcerated, triggering a wide range of inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, including rectal bleeding.
It is important to note that rectal bleeding caused by ischemic colitis is not as severe compared to that of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. And in many cases, the bleeding, abdominal pain, and other symptoms will resolve themselves within a matter of weeks. Nonetheless,you should schedule an exam with your physician to rule out other health problems.
COLON POLYPS
If you’re not familiar with colon polyps, they are mushroom-shaped protrusions that form on the colon. In many cases, they are benign, but they can sometimes lead to the development of colorectal cancer. Whether these polyps are benign or malignant, they can cause rectal bleeding. What’s more, the loss of blood can lead to low blood pressure and, in severe cases, iron deficiency.
Also, if polyps give way to colorectal cancer, it can cause significant changes in bowel movements. Bleeding caused by polyps or colorectal cancer is usually mild and intermittent, and the blood can appear bright or dark red depending on where they form on the colon.