Seeing blood in your stool is never normal and requires medical attention. The color and consistency of the blood offer clues about its origin within your digestive system.
Understanding the Significance of Blood Color
The color of the blood in your stool can indicate the location of bleeding within your digestive tract:
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Bright red blood: Often indicates bleeding in the lower part of the colon or rectum. This could be due to conditions like hemorrhoids or diverticular bleeding. ([Source 1](Reference: “Bright red blood might be something low in the colon or rectum like diverticular bleeding or hemorrhoids, darker blood may be from higher up in the colon,” says Richards. “If the blood is more black or tar-like, that might signal an issue in the small intestine or stomach.”15-Dec-2022))
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Darker red or black, tarry stools: Suggests bleeding higher up in the digestive tract, potentially in the small intestine or stomach. ([Source 1](Reference: “Bright red blood might be something low in the colon or rectum like diverticular bleeding or hemorrhoids, darker blood may be from higher up in the colon,” says Richards. “If the blood is more black or tar-like, that might signal an issue in the small intestine or stomach.”15-Dec-2022)) [Source 7](Reference: May 4, 2022 ... Is every stool this way? Have you lost any weight recently? Is there blood on the toilet paper only? What color is the stool? When did the ...))
Potential Causes of Blood in Stool
Numerous conditions can cause blood in your stool. These include:
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the anus and rectum. ([Source 2](Reference: Dec 15, 2022 ... Blood in your stool can be caused by many different issues · Rectal prolapse · Rectal polyps · Ulcers in the rectum · Injury to the mucosa ( ...)), ([Source 3](Reference: Yes, constipation and straining to poop can cause rectal bleeding. When you strain, you can cause conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which may bleed.))
- Anal fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus. ([Source 3](Reference: Yes, constipation and straining to poop can cause rectal bleeding. When you strain, you can cause conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which may bleed.))
- Rectal polyps: Growths in the rectum. ([Source 2](Reference: Dec 15, 2022 ... Blood in your stool can be caused by many different issues · Rectal prolapse · Rectal polyps · Ulcers in the rectum · Injury to the mucosa ( ...))
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. ([Source 4](Reference: Sep 13, 2024 ... You should also seek medical care if you notice a change in the frequency or consistency of your bowel movements, have abdominal pain, or feel ...)), ([Source 5](Reference: Mar 9, 2022 ... Blood in the stool often is a sign of bleeding in some area of the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the anus. And while bleeding may occur ...)), ([Source 9](Reference: If the blood is bright red, it usually is coming from the rectum or large intestine. Darker or black stools could be due to blood higher up in the digestive ...))
- Colon cancer: Cancerous growths in the colon. ([Source 5](Reference: Mar 9, 2022 ... Blood in the stool often is a sign of bleeding in some area of the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the anus. And while bleeding may occur ...))
- Constipation: Straining during bowel movements can cause tears and bleeding. ([Source 3](Reference: Yes, constipation and straining to poop can cause rectal bleeding. When you strain, you can cause conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which may bleed.))
When to Seek Medical Attention
You should see a doctor immediately if you experience blood in your stool. Further investigation is necessary to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. The doctor may perform tests like a colonoscopy to identify the source of the bleeding. ([Source 4](Reference: Sep 13, 2024 ... You should also seek medical care if you notice a change in the frequency or consistency of your bowel movements, have abdominal pain, or feel ...)) ([Source 8](Reference: Jun 26, 2024 ... Bright red blood in stool or fresh blood on toilet paper usually indicates active bleeding in the lower GI tract (large intestine, rectum, or ...))
