If one morning you wake up and go to the bathroom as usual, but discover that your stool, which was previously normal, now contains blood, it can understandably cause alarm and anxiety about serious illnesses. However, bloody stools can vary in appearance, and Associate Professor Dr. Thanyadech Nimmanawewutpong, a consultant at the Advanced Surgical Technology Center ASIT at Phyathai 3 Hospital, is here to explain:
What Conditions Can Cause Blood in Stool?
Severity of Bloody Stools
Having blood in your stool is a sign that warrants attention. It may appear clearly mixed with the stool, or you might notice blood droplets after passing a stool, or the stool itself may appear red. The different presentations of blood can help diagnose various conditions, not just hemorrhoids. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor promptly for accurate diagnosis and treatment, which is beneficial for the patient.
What Diseases Are Associated with Blood in Stool?
The severity of conditions that present with bloody stools can be assessed by the frequency and volume of blood. Those experiencing significant bleeding are at a higher risk of serious conditions. For instance, blood dripping after a bowel movement may indicate a tear in the veins near the anus, while stools that are predominantly blood or have blood mixed in may suggest more serious issues in the colon due to various abnormalities. Here are some conditions associated with bloody stools:1.
1. Hemorrhoids and Bloody Stools
Bloody stools are a primary symptom of hemorrhoids, which occur due to frequent straining during bowel movements caused by constipation or diarrhea. This leads to swollen veins in the rectal area, forming hemorrhoids. Some individuals may experience severe inflammation that causes the hemorrhoids to protrude, resulting in significant pain when walking or sitting. Afterward, patients may notice blood droplets after a bowel movement or blood staining toilet paper during cleaning. While some may not experience pain and have normal-colored stools, others might feel discomfort around the anus, itching, and difficulty with bowel movements.
2. Abnormal Blood Vessel Conditions in the Colon and Bloody Stools
This condition arises from an abnormal increase in small blood vessels, causing blood to appear in stools both as clots and as liquid, without abdominal pain. It is commonly seen in individuals over 70 years old. In some cases, the bleeding may stop on its own, but patients should still consult a doctor for further evaluation, as the symptoms can be indistinguishable from other diseases.
3. Colorectal Polyps and Bloody Stools
These are tumors caused by genetic abnormalities, more frequently found in men over 50 years old, and can develop into colorectal cancer. Polyps can occur anywhere in the colon, appearing as round, pink growths, either singular or multiple. Patients often show no symptoms, but sometimes bleeding may occur in the colon, resulting in blood coating the surface of the stool. Symptoms can be intermittent, and doctors typically recommend colonoscopies for individuals over 50 to check for potential polyps.
4. Colitis and Bloody Stools
This can result from certain infections, such as dysentery (both with and without pathogens). Key symptoms include watery stools or frequent bowel movements, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and the presence of mucus or blood in the stool, necessitating further treatment.
5. Colorectal Cancer and Bloody Stools
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Thailand and worldwide, primarily affecting individuals over 60 years old. Symptoms often include abnormal bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. Some patients seek medical attention due to anemia caused by significant blood loss. Most cases are found in the colon rather than the rectum. This type of cancer is often linked to a high-fat diet and genetic factors. It is generally not curable; detection usually involves endoscopy or other methods to identify the disease and remove malignant tissue to prevent progression.
