Causes and Treatment of Blood in Stool – Essential information

Blood in the stool can be a sign of several different conditions in the digestive system. Depending on where the bleeding originates, the blood may be red or dark. It is important to understand the causes of blood in the stool in order to find the right treatment. In this article, we review the most common causes of blood in the stool and the most effective treatment options.

Causes of blood in the stool

Blood in the stool can be caused by a range of different conditions, both mild and serious. Below are some of the most common causes:

• Haemorrhoids: Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum that may bleed during bowel movements. They often cause fresh, bright red blood.
• Anal fissure: A small tear in the lining of the rectum that can occur with hard stools and typically causes pain as well as fresh blood on the stool.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause bloody stools due to inflammation in the intestines.
• Infection: Infections in the intestines, often caused by bacteria such as salmonella, can lead to bloody diarrhea.
• Gastrointestinal polyps or cancer: Polyps in the intestine can bleed, and in rare cases, blood in the stool can be an early sign of bowel cancer.

Treatment of blood in stool

The treatment of blood in the stool depends on the underlying cause. Here are some of the most common treatment methods:

• Treatment of hemorrhoids: Mild hemorrhoids can be treated with over-the-counter creams and stool softeners that make bowel movements easier. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
• Treatment of anal fissure: Anal fissures can often heal on their own, but creams that promote healing can help. If the fissure does not heal, a minor operation may be necessary.
• Treatment of intestinal infections: Infections caused by bacteria may require antibiotics. It is important to have the infection correctly diagnosed before starting treatment.
• Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: Medications that reduce inflammation, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs, can help control the symptoms.
• Treatment of polyps and cancer: Polyps can be removed during an endoscopy. If the blood is caused by cancer, treatment will typically involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

Test yourself

Do you suspect blood in your stool? Try our faecal occult blood test and detect hidden traces of blood in the stool.

FAQ on causes and treatment of blood in the stool

What are the most common causes of blood in the stool?

The most common causes are haemorrhoids, anal fissures and intestinal infections. Blood may also be due to inflammatory bowel disease or, in rare cases, bowel cancer.

How is blood in the stool treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Haemorrhoids can be treated with creams or surgery, while infections require antibiotics. For more serious conditions such as bowel cancer, treatment will be more extensive.

When should I contact a doctor?

You should contact a doctor if you experience persistent blood in your stool, if it is accompanied by pain, weight loss or fatigue, or if you have a family history of bowel cancer.

Is blood in the stool always a sign of something serious?

Not always. In many cases, blood in the stool is caused by mild conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. However, it is important to have it examined if the bleeding continues.