Blood in Stool – What Causes It and When Should I Seek Medical Attention?
When something as serious as blood in our stool occurs, we often panic and worry about what could be wrong. It is important to understand what can cause this unfortunate medical symptom, as well as when it is necessary to seek medical attention. Let’s discuss what causes blood in stool and when it is appropriate to reach out to a medical professional.
What Causes Blood in Our Stool?
Blood in our stool can be quite scary, but in most cases, a few common causes can explain why it is happening. The most common cause of blood in stool is hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins located around the anal area. Hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, itching and discomfort. Some of the other potential causes of blood in our stool can include:
• Anal fissures: Small tears in the anus that can cause discomfort and bleeding
• Inflammatory bowel disease: A term used to describe different autoimmune diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease that can lead to chronic inflammation in our digestive system
• Colon polyps: Non-cancerous growths in our large intestine that can cause bleeding
• Diverticulitis: A condition when small pouches in the wall of our large intestine become infected or inflamed
• Colon cancer: A type of cancer that can develop in our large intestine and can cause bleeding
When Should I Seek Medical Attention?
If you are experiencing blood in your stool, it is important to contact a medical professional as soon as possible to rule out any serious causes. Speaking with a medical professional can also help you to get the correct diagnosis so that you can find the right treatment. In general, it is important to seek medical attention if the bleeding continues for more than a few days, if the blood is black or tarry in appearance, or if you are experiencing severe rectal pain. It is also important to note that your doctor may suggest certain diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of your bleeding, so it is essential to follow any advice given to you.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing blood in your stool, it is important to speak with a medical professional to make sure that the cause is nothing serious. Although the most common cause of blood in the stool is hemorrhoids, there are a few other potential causes that can explain why the bleeding is occurring. It is important to seek medical attention if the bleeding continues for more than a few days, if it is black or tarry in appearance, or if you are experiencing severe rectal pain. Understanding what can cause blood in stool and when to reach out to a medical professional can help you to feel more informed and less scared if this were to ever happen to you.