Blood in the Stool
Usually, people have blood in their stool if they have gastrointestinal bleeding. It can be an alarming sight and a sign of potentially serious diseases like cancer. However, it’s often an indicator of a less severe condition. A common cause is hemorrhoids, which refer to swollen veins within the anus. Nearly one in twenty have the condition in the US, with age being its most significant risk factor. Typically, the blood it produces is bright red, and it may be accompanied by pain and itching.
Passing stool with blood can also be caused by diseases like IBD, hernia, and colorectal cancer. Another possible cause is an infection, with dysentery being the most common condition of bacterial infection-induced bloody diarrhea. Whether the symptoms experienced are mild or severe, it’s always better to err on the side of safety and see a doctor if you find some blood in your stool so they can diagnose the condition.
There are many ways to treat this symptom, but they’re all determined by the cause. Milder conditions like hemorrhoids and anal fissures can be treated at home using over-the-counter medication and dietary changes. For severe cases, antibiotics, surgery, and hospitalization may be required.
