• Digestive Disorders
• Hemorrhoids

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Implications, and Treatment Options

Medically reviewed and edited by Debra England, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, NBC-HWC

Discovering blood in your stool can be an alarming experience, especially if you’re unsure about what this means for your overall health.

However, a bloody stool often signals a mild, easily treatable condition.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what these conditions are and how they can be treated, as well as the signs that may indicate a more serious issue.

Being able to recognize these signs is essential for knowing when to seek medical advice and for maintaining your digestive health.

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A Brief Overview of Blood in Stool

Blood in stool — known as hematochezia or melena, depending on the appearance of the blood — develops due to conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

When the blood is bright red and creates a maroon-colored stool, it’s referred to as hematochezia. The color suggests that the condition is acute or recent.

Health experts use the term melena when the stool is black and tarry with a distinct foul smell. This type of stool indicates that blood has been digested after being in the stomach for a while.

The black color is a result of the chemical reaction between digestive enzymes and the blood as it travels through the GI tract.

Symptoms and characteristics

The symptoms accompanying blood in the stool can vary, depending on the underlying cause. Most people tend to experience the following:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Changes in bowel habits

• Unexplained or unintended weight loss

• Fatigue

It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms alongside blood in the stool to prevent further complications.

Common Causes of Blood in Stool

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels located in the lower rectum or anus and are one of the most common reasons for blood in stool.

They are often caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, pregnancy, or sitting for long periods. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Pain in the lower rectum

• Itchiness

• Discomfort around the anus

The blood found in the stool typically appears bright red, either dripping into the toilet bowl or noticeable on toilet paper during wiping.

Anal fissures

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, which can cause pain and bleeding during or after bowel movements. The blood is typically bright red, indicating an acute case.

Fissures are commonly caused by passing hard or large stools but can also develop due to chronic diarrhea or constipation.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis — or stomach flu — is an infection of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

It can cause diarrhea, which may contribute to severe irritation and inflammation in the GI tract and rectum. This can lead to bright red blood appearing in the stool.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis refers to small pouches — called diverticula — that form in the wall of the colon and become inflamed or infected.

Bleeding in the digestive tract from diverticulosis can lead to blood passing into the stool, typically resulting in a red or maroon-colored stool. Colitis Colitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the colon’s inner lining that may occur in disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and an urgent need to perform a bowel movement.

The blood in stool is often mixed with pus or mucus, usually requiring a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur in the upper or lower GI tract, depending on the underlying cause.

Things like peptic ulcers and gastritis are the most common contributing factors, but GI bleeding can also be caused by more serious conditions like esophageal cancer.

The appearance of blood in the stool can range from bright red to dark and tarry, depending on the bleeding site.

Polyps and colon cancer

Polyps are benign growths that can form on the lining of the colon or rectum. Certain polyps can develop into colon cancer over time, especially if they are left untreated.

Both polyps and colon cancer can cause minor rectal bleeding, which is usually noticeable in blood that appears in the stool.

Other symptoms of this condition include changes in bowel habits and abdominal discomfort that doesn’t improve with traditional treatment options.

How Do You Treat Blood in Stool?

Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are usually the first-line treatment for bloody stools.

Depending on the cause of bleeding, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Hydrocortisone creams and ointments

• Pain relievers

• Stool softeners

• Corticosteroids

• Aminosalicylates

• Immunomodulators

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

• Antibiotics

Keep in mind that some of these medications may cause unwanted side effects, such as:

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain and bloating

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Damage to major organs like the kidneys with long-term use

Speak to your doctor about possible side effects and how you can minimize their impact on your daily activities.

Surgical interventions

In more severe cases — such as when you have a chronic disease or your symptoms don’t improve with medication — your doctor may recommend surgical interventions.

These procedures include:

• Rubber band ligation: This treatment involves placing a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and eventually fall off.

• Bowel resection: This involves surgically removing a portion of the colon or small intestine and other affected areas to restore healthy digestive system function.

• Colonoscopy: This procedure is used to examine the inside of the colon and rectum by inserting a long, flexible tube equipped with a small camera at the end. Healthcare providers can use this to identify abnormalities that could be causing blood in the stool.

• Endoscopic treatments: These are treatments done using an endoscope to diagnose and address conditions within the digestive tract. It can involve using heat to cauterize bleeding vessels or injecting substances into the bleeding site to encourage clotting.

Many of these surgeries involve removing the source of the bleeding to prevent blood in the stool and help you avoid further complications.

Lifestyle and dietary adjustments

Although most cases of blood in the stool require some form of treatment, your doctor may also recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to improve your overall quality of life.

Common adjustments they might suggest include:

• Following a diet that is higher in fiber to make stools easier to pass

• Drinking plenty of water

• Regular physical activity

• Avoiding straining during bowel movements

• Limiting your intake of spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine

• Avoiding medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Implementing these changes can protect your digestive system and prevent conditions like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

When Should You See a Doctor About Blood in Stool?

Blood in your stool may only be a sign of something mild, but it could also indicate a more serious health condition.

Be sure to schedule a doctor’s appointment if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Blood in the stool for more than three weeks

• Severe discomfort in the abdomen or lower rectum

• Painful lumps in the stomach

• Heavy bleeding unrelated to menstruation

• Passing softer, thinner, or longer stools for more than three weeks

• Fever

• Chills

• Fainting

• Weakness

• Vomiting

These symptoms could be an indication of digestive disorders or conditions like colorectal cancer, which require professional medical treatment.

Early detection and management can help you reduce their impact on your daily life and prevent additional complications.

Where Can You Learn More About Maintaining Bowel Health?

If you’re concerned about blood in your stool or want to know more about how to keep your digestive system healthy, LifeMD is here to help.

A team of medical professionals can assist you with information and provide guidance on maintaining a healthy bowel and digestive system to prevent any complications.

Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more about bowel system care — all from the comfort of your home.

Debra England, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, NBC-HWC

Debra has been working with patients for 15 years. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a national board-certified health and wellness coach who takes a whole-person approach to care. She utilizes a blend of conventional, functional, integrative, and lifestyle medicine interventions. Debra’s experience spans across chronic illness, pain, fatigue, and stress management, as well as rheumatology, orthopedics, traumatic brain injury/post-concussion care, urgent care, telemedicine, and mental health specialties. In her free time, Debra enjoys skiing, the Great Outdoors, music, and family time.

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