Bright Red Blood In Stool
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Bright red blood in stool is a common problem and the symptoms should always be investigated further. There are many causes although serious causes such as bowel cancer, only account for about 1% of all cases. Most cases of bleeding are ignored by sufferers and this is unfortunate as early detection of bowel or colon cancer as well as other diseases are delayed. If you find blood in the toilet or when wiping you should have this investigated to prevent delays in getting a diagnosis that could potentially save your life.
About Bright Red Blood In Stool
There is often a difference between bleeding in the stool or on toilet paper. This shouldn't be read as fact, but if the blood is in the stool, it is unlikely to be due to haemorrhoids or piles. Bleeding from haemorrhoids or piles usually usually coats the stool or comes before the stool. Fissures can also cause bleeding. The bleeding occurs from a breach in the anal lining or "tear in the anus" which can be extremely painful. The bleeding can occur either before the stool or with the stool. It can also occur on wiping and are very similar to the symptoms experienced with haemorrhoids. Both these conditions are caused by excessive straining usually due to constipation (see constipation remedies ) or heavy lifting. They can also be associated with bowel diseases, particularly fissures which can be associated with Crohn's disease.
Having a healthy lifestyle, maintaining your 5 fruit and vegetables a day and maintaining an adequate fluid intake are all important in preventing and helping with fissure and haemorrhoid symptoms.
When bright red blood in stool is seen this usually indicates bleeding from the bowel itself. If the blood is bright red, it is usually occurring from the left side of the bowel, although this is not exclusive.
There are many causes for this including infections, inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), polyps, bleeding blood vessels (angiodysplasia), diverticular disease and less commonly bowel cancer .
Investigating Your Bright Red Blood In Stool
Your doctor should be informed of this as soon as you notice these symptoms. They will understand your concerns and help to reassure you about this. You will be asked a series of questions about your bleeding which will include how long you have had them for, whether the bleeding is fresh or old blood, whether you have symptoms of an itchy bottom (pruritis ani) often associated with piles or worm infestation. You will also be asked if there is any soreness or discharge from or around the anus and if there is any family history of bowel diseases including colon cancer.
Your doctor will examine you to look for causes of bleeding and will perform a rectal or PR examination by passing a gloved finger in to your rectum or back passage. They will be looking for lumps and evidence of blood. In a male they will also be feeling the prostate gland for enlargement or irregularity.
They may perform a proctoscopy or rigid sigmoidoscopy to look for causes of your bleeding. They are are simple endoscopic tests that can usually be performed in a clinic or doctors surgery. If they haven't got this facility available, they are likely to refer you to a surgeon or gastroenterologist to investigate your symptoms.
Tests commonly performed include flexible sigmoidoscopy , a colonoscopy , a CT-colonography or barium enema .
Treatment Of Bright Red Blood In Stool
The treatment really depends on the underlying cause of your bleeding. This should be discussed with your doctor at the time of consultation or when the diagnosis has been confirmed. It maybe a simple case of reassurance or a straight forward treatment such as a cream or suppository for your haemorrhoids. However, it may need more complex treatment including surgery if more serious issues such as cancer are found.
Other Pages On This Site That May Interest You
Stomach Flu - A Condition That Can Sometimes Cause Blood In Stool
Stomach flu or gastroenteritis can sometimes cause bleeding. You can find help with this by going to the Stomach flu symptoms page.
Causes of Diarrhea
Bleeding can be associated with diarrhea. You can find out more about this and how to manage it by going to the diarrhea causes page.
Medicine For Your Diarrhea
If your looking for medicine to help with diarrhea you must read the medicine for diarrhea page.
All About Colon Cancer
You have already learn't that colon cancer is a cause for blood in stool. You can now learn more about this and other symptoms as well as investigation by going to the colon cancer early symptoms page.
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