Blood in the stool: causes and treatment

What is blood in the stool?

Blood in the stoolis a common problem in most people, it refers to thepresence of blood fluid in the feces, which are noticed at the time of expelling these. It tends to worry many about its mere presence, since it is not always a good sign, sothere are many symptoms to recognize it.

Blood in the stool canbe suffered by children, adolescents and adults alike, it is noticeable in a small amount of blood and cases can vary from aspects such as: hemorrhages, fissures, polyps or in more serious cases, different types of cancer.

Note: One study mentions that “blood in the stool is known as gastrointestinal bleeding, is any loss of blood from anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, including digestive bleeding in organs that drain into the intestinal lumen.” (1)

Causes of blood in the stool

As stated above, there are many reasons that causeblood in the stool, some common, others are more harmful. The important thing is to know them in order to recognize the case that each one may have:

tear

Also known as anal fissure, it commonly occurs when a muscle or tendon in the body is stretched to its limit,breaking along with blood vessels. This allows the passage of even a small amount of blood in the rectal area.

Important: Anal fissure can occur due to Strong evacuation of feces , slight cuts made by razors, excessive constipation and even anal sex.

trauma

Also known as anorectal trauma, they are muscle injuries in the rectal area, which are suffered in extreme sports, rectal injuries or in military zones (commonly), causing obstruction or tears in the area of the anus or at its entrance , causing in small amount of bleeding.

Note: A medical study mentions that “These injuries are rare. Its prevalence is difficult to define due to the large number of etiological mechanisms (multiple types of traumatic agents, injuries, among others)”. (two)

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are common and natural in the human body , they are blood vessels (veins) in the rectal area, shaped like padstag. Despite this, they can become dilated or inflamed and be very annoying. When these blood vessels break, they createlimiting anal bleeding.

diverticula and polyps

Both located in the colon and with different functionstag. Diverticula are tiny pockets that are located in the walls of the large intestine. Becoming inflamed for various reasons, theytear the intestinal lining,allowing blood to mix with feces. But the greatest attention falls on polyps.

Polyps are growths that protrude from the tissue of the intestinal wall, often they are benign or malignant, they can only vary by size. Whenthe walls of the intestine are blocked, the passage of bloodis blocked . Many times polyps are controllable from the first diagnosis.

Note: Polyps and diverticula are normally considered gastrointestinal disorders.

Gastroenteritis

This has to do with the presence of viruses or bacteria in the gastrointestinal area. This is an infection or inflammation within the lining of the intestine, which is also caused by parasites, which devour nutrients, causing diarrhea or causing fever.

Note: Diarrhea may be accompanied by blood due to inflammation.

inflammatory diseases

Note: A medical study mentions that “Inflammatory bowel disease is defined as a group of different diseases that share the characteristic of producing chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two main types are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. (3)

Cancer

There are different types of cancer that cause blood in the stool, mainly colon and rectal cancer. They appear as polyps in the early stages, can cause inflammation, irritation, constipation and bloodin the stool. In this type of cancer, the growth and manifestation of polyps is involved.

Note: A study establishes that “Colorectal cancer corresponds to all those tumors located in the large intestine, and these tumors can therefore be located from the ileocecal valve to the rectum.” (4)

Treatment to eliminate blood in the stool

Fortunately there are many effective treatmentsto strengthen the body and the proper functioning of the rectal area. These can be done from home without any type of investment, among the most recommended treatments are the following:

Consume more water and fiber

Water is vital for the body, from 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day , they are enough to avoid constipation, they help as freshness for the intestines, preventing them from contracting and causing excessive constipation.

Fiber , on the other hand, is necessary for the body and the defecation process, it is obtained in fruits such as Pear , kiwi and avocado juice.

Not straining when going to the bathroom

It is necessary to remain calm, not strain the pelvic musclesor the rectal system, this can damage the walls of the anus, often causing anal tears or fissures. This is the most common in most people, it happens even in those who have constipation.

Be cleaned carefully

Cleaning the anal area is important, but it must also be done with great care.

Tip: It is recommended not always to rub with sheets of toilet paper, mostly dry, but also to apply wet towels, which refresh the area and prevent swelling.

Avoid lifting heavy objects

Physical exertion not only makes the anal area more prone to leaking blood in the stool, it can also cause hernias to appear.

Note: Avoid lifting or holding very heavy objects,almost to the limit of our capacity, many parts of our body can be involved. It can also inflame hemorrhoids and allow the growth of polyps.

Avoid fatty and spicy foods

Fatty foods are the cause of polyps and obesity, which in the long run is the cause of blood in the stool, due to the little care and health that exists in the pelvic muscles or the rectal area.

For this reason , a healthy diet should be maintained, and spicy foods should also be avoided if you easily suffer from constipation or hemorrhoids, as they can activate them.

Use a condom during sexual intercourse

During anal intercourse, the use of condoms is recommended and almost mandatory, as well as protecting against diseases, preventing obstruction and damage to the walls of the rectal area.

Consult the doctor if necessary

If the pain worsens, if the pain does not allow someone to sit down or the presence of blood in the stool is very constant, it is necessary to see a doctor , they even offer adequate treatments for polyps and hemorrhoids (in the most advanced case ).

It is important for examinations, a simple rectal examination or Complete Medical Check -ups , to rule out certain diseases, depending on which symptoms are taken into account.

Key Findings

• Blood in the stool occurs due to many factors, not just due to diseases.
• In the most serious case, polyps are involved. are involved.
• It can be suffered by children, adolescents or adults alike.
• Constipation, colon or rectal cancer are one of the most serious causes of blood in the stool.
• One of the most common symptoms is rectal pain.
• It is something common, it is not always something serious, depending on the case it is necessary to take the necessary measures.