Blood in the stool
The appearance of blood in the stool can be worrying and is a symptom that should not be ignored. In our practice, which specializes in gastrointestinal diseases, we treat patients with this concern with the utmost care and attention. Here we would like to provide you with basic information about blood in the stool to help you better understand what it can mean and when it is time to see a doctor.
What does blood in the stool mean?
Blood in the stool can appear in various forms: from visible bright red traces of blood to darker, tar-like stools that indicate older blood. Sometimes the blood is not directly visible, but is only detected by special tests. Blood in the stool is a sign that bleeding is occurring somewhere in the digestive tract.
Possible causes
The causes of blood in the stool can be varied and range from harmless to more serious conditions. Some possible causes are:
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the lower part of the rectum or anus that can bleed during bowel movements and are often painful.
- Anal fissures: Small tears in the skin around the anus that can be caused by hard stools.
- Polyps or cancer in the bowel: growths that can grow on the inside of the bowel. While polyps are often harmless, they can sometimes be precursors of cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that cause inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Gastric ulcer: Stomach ulcers that can bleed unnoticed, for example with Helicobacter pylori infections or chronic reflux.
Symptoms that require attention
In addition to the obvious symptom of blood in the stool, there are other signs that you should not ignore, including:
- Unclear abdominal pain or cramps
- Persistent changes in bowel movements (e.g. diarrhea, constipation)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness or tiredness
When you should see a doctor
If you notice blood in your stool, especially if it occurs repeatedly or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. Even though the cause may be harmless, it is crucial to rule out more serious conditions or treat them early.
What can you expect when you visit the doctor?
When you visit our practice, we will first take a thorough medical history to understand your symptoms and possible causes. Depending on the situation, various tests may be recommended, such as a colonoscopy, gastroscopy or proctoscopy, to identify the exact cause of the bleeding.
Our aim is not only to provide you with clarity about your symptoms, but also to initiate appropriate treatment to improve your well-being. The health of your digestive system is crucial to your overall health, and we are here to support you every step of the way.