Bloody stools, medically known as hematochezia, is an alarming condition that can be a sign of a serious medical illness. These stools can actually be bright red or even black in color. Sometimes, the stool may be normal in appearance but contain microscopic amounts of blood that can only be detected through a special test called a guiac test. The causes of bloody stool have specific treatments.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids refer to a condition in which the veins in the rectum or anus are swollen, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) says. Specific hemorrhoid symptoms include bright red stool on the toilet paper or in the toilet itself. It can also lead to anal itching, anal pain and excruciating pain during bowel movements. Sometimes a lump can be felt in the anal region.
Hemorrhoids are common and are typically the result of giving birth. During labor, excessive pressure is placed on the pelvis when a woman pushes during labor. This can enlarge the veins in the anal or rectal region.
Other causes of hemorrhoids include straining throughout a bowel movement, anal infections, constipation and sitting for a long time. The NIH says that cirrhosis (liver damage) may also contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.
Treatment for hemorrhoids involves such conservative measurements as wearing cotton underwear and soaking the affected region in a warm bath (sitz bath) for 10 to 15 minutes. In some cases, over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream can be applied to the region. Surgery is another treatment option for hemorrhoids.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis refers to a type of inflammatory condition affecting the bowels. The Mayo Clinic says that specific symptoms of ulcerative colitis can include bloody stools, rectal pain, stomach pain or cramps, weight loss and dehydration.
It is not clear what causes ulcerative colitis. However, some theories exist that point that ulcerative colitis may be due to a virus or bacteria. Sometimes, having a family history can predispose a person to developing ulcerative colitis.
Anti-inflammatory medications such as mesalamine, sulfasalazine and corticosteroids can be used to reduce the inflammation within the digestive tract. Immune system suppressors such as azathioprine, cyclosporine or inflixamab may be taken to weaken the immune system so that it doesn't lead to inflammation. Other treatment methods for ulcerative colitis involves nicotine patches, antibiotic medications, pain relievers, anti-diarrheals and surgery.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a potentially fatal condition in which the cells in the colon grow at a very rapid rate. This particular cancer can begin in the large intestine or rectum. The NIH says that colon cancer's symptoms include bloody stool, unexplained weight loss, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain and anemia (low red blood cell counts). Fatigue and pale skin are a few symptoms that characterize anemia.
There is no exact cause for colon cancer, but its risk factors include being above 60 years old, having a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps and being of African American or European descent. Other risk factors for colon cancer include suffering from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and having a history of breast cancer.
Treatment for colon cancer involves chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to destroy or remove the colon cancer cells.
