1. Use Color to Pinpoint the Cause
The color of your stool helps you determine the cause of your problem. When your stools are maroon or bright red, it usually means you have a lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract problem, which includes the large bowel and rectum. Sometimes there are black stools with a tar like consistency if there has been blood in the intestines for too long. Red beets and tomatoes can also cause colored stools.
2. Why Your Stools are Red
There are many causes for your red stools. The bleeding usually develops quickly. Upper GI tract problems include stomach ulcers caused from medicine such as naproxen, ibuprofen or aspirin. Upper GI bleeding, gastritis, a tear in the esophagus, trauma, a foreign object or lack of blood flow to the intestine can all cause red stools. Lower gastrointestinal problems include massive stomach bleeding, anal fissures, a tumor, colon polyps, cancer and hemorrhoids.
3. Tell the Doctor What's Wrong
Consult your doctor when you first notice a change in your stools. Have your doctor rule out the known problems, even if you believe your hemorrhoids are bleeding. Your doctor will do an exam on your stomach and rectum to find the source of the bleeding. The doctor will ask questions about how you are feeling and what you have noticed about your blood in stool. Tests may also include blood work to determine how much blood loss is present. Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to determine the exact cause of bleeding.
4. Tips to Avoid the Blood
Try to eat healthy foods, such as vegetables and foods that are rich in fiber and low in fat. Whole grains, pasta and bread are other good options. These foods help alleviate the symptoms of constipation, hemorrhoids and colon cancer, which all may cause your blood in stool. Avoid using the medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin for long periods of time, because they are the cause of your stomach ulcers. Alcohol in large amounts may irritate the lining of your esophagus and irritate your stomach. Don't smoke and avoid stress, as these may lead to an ulcer. Take an over the counter medication called a stool softener to alleviate the pain from a bowel movement.
5. Treat Your Bleeding
Doctors use a colonoscopy to cauterize or cut polyps or other internal bleeding points in the intestine. Treat hemorrhoids with an over the counter cream or take warm water baths. In some instances, a surgeon removes your hemorrhoids. Medication in some form of an antacid will lower the stomach acid and reduce the ulcer. Surgery to fix an ulcer is rare.
