Why Is There Blood in Your Poop? Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor!

Blood in stool can have many causes, but in most cases, it is not a serious problem. Let’s understand this in detail.

Check Before You Panic

• First, check if the blood is really coming from your stool. If you notice red or black spots in the toilet, don’t panic.
• Think about what you ate recently, as some foods can change the color of your poop, making it look red or black.

Foods That Can Change Stool Color

• Red-colored stool: Beetroot, cranberries, tomatoes, red-colored food dyes.
• Black-colored stool: Blueberries, black licorice, certain medicines (like Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate).

Identifying the Source of Blood

If you are sure that there is blood in your stool, understanding where it comes from is important. The color of the blood can help determine the source:

• Bright red blood → Likely from areas near the anus or rectum.
• Dark red or maroon blood → May be from the small intestine or upper part of the large intestine.
• Black, tar-like stool → Could indicate bleeding from the stomach, esophagus, or upper digestive system.

Common Causes of Blood in Stool

Now, let’s look at some common causes of blood in stool.

1. Hemorrhoids – This is a very common problem. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels inside or outside the anus. They can sometimes bleed, leading to blood in the stool.
2. Anal Fissure – Small cuts or tears in the skin around the anus can cause pain and bleeding, especially during or after passing stool.
3. Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis – Small pouches called diverticula can form in the walls of the large intestine. When they get swollen or infected, they can cause bleeding.
4. Peptic Ulcers – When stomach acid damages the protective lining of the stomach, ulcers can form. These ulcers can bleed, making the stool look black and tar-like.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease cause inflammation in the intestines, leading to blood in stool.

Now, let’s discuss some symptoms that can occur along with blood in stool. 

In many cases, people don’t realize they are passing blood, but sometimes, the following symptoms may appear:

• Stomach pain
• Weakness and dizziness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Frequent diarrhea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling faint

So, when should you see a doctor?

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately:

• Blood in stool for more than three weeks
• Severe pain in the anus
• A lump or swelling in the stomach
• Heavy bleeding
• Stool becoming thinner, longer, or softer for over three weeks
• No clear reason for the bleeding, such as constipation or diarrhea
• Fever, chills, extreme tiredness, or vomiting along with blood in stool

If you or someone you know is facing these issues, it is important to get checked by a doctor. Even minor problems can turn serious if ignored, so it’s always better to be careful.

Source:- 1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bleeding-from-the-bottom-rectal-bleeding/ 

2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fissure/ 

3. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/when-to-worry-about-blood-in-your-stool.h00-159545268.htm 

4. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastrointestinal-bleeding/symptoms-causes 

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563143/