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Blood in Poop (Rectal Bleeding)
Blood appearing in your stool or when you wipe
Digestive System
Blood in Poop (Rectal Bleeding)
What it is: Blood appearing in your stool (poop) or when you wipe after using the bathroom. It's like having a small cut or irritation in your digestive system that's bleeding.
Why it happens
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in your rectum or anus
- Anal fissures: Small tears in the skin around your anus
- Constipation: Hard stools can cause small tears
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Colon polyps: Small growths in the colon
- Colon cancer: In rare cases, blood can be a sign of cancer
- Diverticulosis: Small pouches in the colon wall
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections
What you feel
- Bright red blood: On toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
- Dark red blood: Mixed with stool
- Black, tarry stool: Blood from higher up in the digestive system
- Pain: During or after bowel movements
- Itching: Around the anal area
- Swelling: Around the anus
- Changes in bowel habits: Constipation or diarrhea
How to help yourself
- Don't strain: Avoid pushing too hard when having a bowel movement
- Eat fiber: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Drink water: Stay well hydrated
- Use gentle wipes: Avoid rough toilet paper
- Apply ice: Can help reduce swelling
- Take warm baths: Can help with pain and swelling
- Avoid spicy foods: Can irritate the area
- Don't ignore it: Always mention blood in stool to your doctor
When to see a doctor immediately
- Large amount of blood: More than a few drops
- Black, tarry stool: Could indicate bleeding higher up
- Severe pain: With bleeding
- Dizziness or weakness: Could indicate significant blood loss
- Fever: With bleeding
- Persistent bleeding: That doesn't stop
Common causes
- Hemorrhoids: Most common cause, usually not serious
- Anal fissures: Small tears, often from constipation
- Colon polyps: Usually benign but should be checked
- Inflammatory conditions: Like Crohn's disease
- Infections: Can cause irritation and bleeding
Prevention tips
- Eat high-fiber foods: Helps prevent constipation
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water
- Exercise regularly: Helps with bowel function
- Don't strain: Take your time in the bathroom
- Get regular checkups: Especially after age 50
- Know your family history: Some conditions run in families
What your doctor will do
- Ask questions: About your symptoms and medical history
- Physical exam: Check the anal area
- Stool test: Check for hidden blood
- Colonoscopy: Look inside your colon
- Blood tests: Check for anemia or other issues
Treatment options
- Diet changes: More fiber and water
- Medications: For inflammation or infections
- Procedures: To remove polyps or treat hemorrhoids
- Surgery: In rare cases for serious conditions
Remember: Blood in your poop should always be checked by a doctor. While it's often not serious, it's important to find out the cause and get proper treatment.