Diverticulitis
Inside the walls of the colon, little pouches have a tendency to form as a person ages. These are called diverticula. When they first appear, the symptoms are generally mild and this is considered diverticulosis. When these diverticula become inflamed and irritated, the condition then becomes diverticulitis. When this happens, stomach pain is accompanied with bleeding in the rectum that can cause bloody stools.
Straining
Straining too hard during defecation can cause two conditions: hemorrhoids and fissures. Hemorrhoids are little masses of tissue that leave the rectum protruding in an area near the anus. They can become irritated and bleed, causing the stool to become bloody. Straining can also cause fissures which are cracks that develop in the walls of the anus. These too can cause the stool to become bloody.
Polyps
Polyps are little growths that form on the surface of the large intestine that can be either flat or raised. In some situations, these polyps appear without detection and they carry no symptoms with them. But in other occasions, these polyps can become cancerous and they need to be removed immediately. When they do appear, symptoms include diarrhea and constipation lasting longer than a week, anal bleeding and bloody stools.
Ulcers
The gastrointestinal tract can sometimes develop a small hole called an ulcer. This is an erosion that is most likely caused by a bacteria called helicobactor pylori. When ulcers develop, the individual can experience severe abdominal pain after eating that can be felt for several hours. Other than pain, vomiting and blood in the stool can also be seen.
Gastritis
Gastritis is a condition that attacks the lining of the stomach, causing it to become inflamed and irritated. Various things can cause it to appear, such as consistent use of anti-inflammatory drugs, chronic bile reflux and an auto immune disease called pernicious anemia. When this condition develops, some symptoms that appear include indigestion, abdominal pain and blood in the stool.
