Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Having a healthy gut is a sign of a healthy body. It shows that whatever you are eating is being absorbed in the body, and your body is utilising it to the maximum extent. But when your gut health goes down, a long list of issues that disrupt our normal lives. One such issue is blood in stool or blood in motion. Let us understand what blood in stool means, does constipation cause blood in stool, the reasons for blood in stool and when to worry about blood in stool.

What does Blood in the Stool Mean?

Blood in the stool can be an alarming situation, but it's important to understand that it’s a symptom, not a condition in itself. It can signal anything from a minor issue, like a small tear in the anus, to more serious conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding or colorectal cancer. The colour and quantity of the blood, as well as accompanying symptoms, can help determine the underlying cause.

Causes of Blood in the Stool

Here are some of the common blood in stool cause, ranging from minor to more serious medical conditions:

Haemorrhoids (Piles)

Piles or haemorrhoids are one reason for blood in the stool. They often cause bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl. These can usually be painless, but they may cause itching or discomfort.

Anal Fissures

Small tears in the lining of the anus can often be the reason for blood stools. These can cause sharp pain during or after bowel movements, and bright red blood is typically seen on the surface.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most serious causes of blood in the stool. It can be identified by visible blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue. The blood can range from bright red to dark; in some cases, it may not be visible (occult blood).

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD means inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and symptoms like Diarrhoea (often bloody), abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss.

Peptic Ulcers

These sores in the stomach lining or duodenum can cause dark, tarry stools (melena) due to digested blood. These are often associated with H. pylori infection or long-term NSAID use.

Symptoms to Worry About Blood in the Stool

It’s natural to be concerned when you notice blood in your stool, but not all cases are serious. However, certain signs and symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention. Here are some of the symptoms of blood in stool that you should be worried about:

Large Amounts of Blood

If you notice a significant amount of blood in your stool, it could indicate a serious condition such as gastrointestinal bleeding or a ruptured blood vessel. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such cases.

Dark or Tarry Stools (Melena)

Blood that is digested and appears black or tarry could indicate bleeding from the upper digestive tract, such as the stomach or small intestine. This can be a sign of peptic ulcers, gastritis, or even cancer and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Persistent or Frequent Bleeding

If the bleeding continues over days or weeks or if you notice blood in your stool regularly, it's important to seek medical advice to determine the cause.

Accompanied by Abdominal Pain

Severe or crampy abdominal pain along with blood in your stool may indicate a more serious condition like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or even a gastrointestinal infection.

Unexplained Weight Loss or Fatigue

If you are experiencing blood in your stool alongside unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or weakness, it may be a sign of colorectal cancer or another chronic condition. These symptoms should not be ignored.

Change in Bowel Habits

If blood in your stool is accompanied by significant changes in bowel habits—such as persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or a sense of incomplete evacuation—it’s essential to get checked for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), IBD, or colorectal cancer.

Treatment for Blood in the Stool

Treatment for blood in the stool will depend on the underlying cause. Common options for blood in stool treatment include:

Haemorrhoids or Anal Fissures

Over-the-counter creams, sitz baths, dietary changes (increase fibre intake), and, in severe cases, surgical procedures.

Colorectal Polyps or Cancer

• Treatment: Removal of polyps, chemotherapy, or surgery for cancer.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Treatment: Medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or biologics. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Gastrointestinal Infections

Antibiotics or antiviral medications, depending on the cause of the infection.

Peptic Ulcers

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics for H. pylori infection, and avoiding NSAIDs.

Concluding Thoughts

If you notice blood in your stool, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Seek medical attention if the bleeding is persistent, accompanied by other symptoms, or if you are concerned about the amount of blood. A doctor can help diagnose the underlying cause and ensure proper treatment.  

And when there are talks about doctor visits, medical bills are always on our minds. In this case, having medical insurance can be the best way to put our minds at ease. At Niva Bupa, we understand the need for cashless hospitalisation, adequate sum insured, and excellent customer service. Our diverse health insurance plans offer all these benefits and the assurance of comprehensive coverage for unexpected medical expenses. Whether for a routine check-up or a major surgery, we ensure you and your family are well-protected. Choose Niva Bupa today for peace of mind, knowing your health and finances are safe.

People Also Ask

1. What does blood in the stool indicate?

   Blood in the stool can indicate various conditions, ranging from minor issues like haemorrhoids or anal fissures to more serious conditions such as colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal infections, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

2. Is blood in the stool always a sign of cancer?

   A: Not necessarily. While blood in the stool can be a symptom of colorectal cancer, many other less serious conditions can cause it, such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, or diverticular disease.

3. How is blood in the stool treated?

   Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the bleeding. For conditions like haemorrhoids or anal fissures, over-the-counter creams, dietary changes, and fibre supplements may help. In more serious cases like colorectal cancer or IBD, medical interventions such as surgery, medication, or chemotherapy may be required.