Why Bloody Stools Can Be a Cause For Concern

A lot of things can upset the digestive tract and lead to bleeding. The most common tend to be related to hemorrhoids, but cancer and other problems can also be a cause. That is one reason for yearly exams; some blood may not be visible to the untrained eye.

Anal Fissures: These can be formed when the stool is hard and/or the person is constipated. Tiny tears, cuts and cracks will form and cause bleeding. There are a couple of things you can do in the hope of preventing this. One is to take a stool softener and the other is to remain hydrated. These two actions are even more important if you take any medication that can cause constipation.

Cancer: Rectal bleeding can also be a sign of cancer. These cancers are formed from polyps that develop. Having a colonoscopy can prevent this problem, as the polyps can be found and removed before they turn malignant.

Diverticulosis: Pockets can form along the lower intestines. If they become filled with fecal matter, they can become infected. When that happens, it is called diverticulitis. This condition requires antibiotics and sometimes a hospital stay. Diverticulitis is usually felt as severe pain in the lower left part of the abdomen. The pain usually comes on suddenly, though on occasion it is felt mildly at first and grows in intensity over several days.

Hemorrhoids: This is caused by pressure placed on the veins in the anus. Diarrhea, constipation and pregnancy are three common causes for this uncomfortable sensation. If enough pressure is placed on the veins, they may rupture and cause bleeding. They are rarely serious, but they can be highly annoying. There are over the counter medications that can help soothe the burning sensation.

Medication: Some medications can cause bleeding in the stomach and/or intestines. NSAIDs such as aspirin and naproxen are prime examples. While they rarely cause severe bleeding, they almost always cause some. If you are at risk for bleeds in that region, ask your doctor what medications you should avoid. If you take supplements, you should also ask which of these to avoid. As an example, willow bark contains the same constituent that causes bleeding from aspirin.

Peptic Ulcer: Ulcers can cause bleeding in the stomach, particularly when the ulcer is touched by stomach acid. You may notice that the pain gets worse at night and is worse when your stomach is empty. Acid reducing medicines and foods that coat the stomach may make it feel better. These ulcers usually require a doctor and a prescription for antibiotics to get rid of h. pylori, the bacteria causing the problem.

It is very important that you consult your doctor if you can see or you suspect that there is blood in your stool. Only the doctor can diagnose the problem and help you find the solution.