Blood In Stool – Seven Root Causes In The Colon
Blood in stool is often discovered with some dismay, accompanied suitably by exclamations of bloody (the adjective, not the expletive). Scarlet red blood droplets coat the feces. Toilet tissue is besmirched by crimson red dots of blood. Down the legs and into the toilet bowl trickles bright red spots of blood. Quite naturally, alarm bells ring and cause a sudden pang of dread.
It is definitely overhasty to panic for any number of 7 possibilities could explain the rectal bleeding. Mindful attention to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate treatment will mitigate any disruptive lifestyle changes as the majority of the 7 causes are treatable. Do not be unconcerned. Pay close attention. If incessant bleeding and pain drags on for more than a week, consult a doctor immediately.
Correct diagnosis will confirm the exact cause so that relevant treatment can be administered to solve the problem. More alarmingly, blood in stool may be find its root origin in some class of cancer.
Hematochezia and Melena
Medical circles refer to the bleeding as hematochezia (bright red or maroon colored blood) or melena (black colored tarry or sticky stools) or simply the less technical term, rectal bleeding. Whilst alluded to as rectal bleeding as the exit is the rectum, the origins of the blood may be any of 7 causes in the colon (large intestine). In the colon, the 7 known causes are cancer, colon polyps, diverticulosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, intestinal ischaemia and peptic ulcer.
Colorectal Cancer
On a international annual basis, 640,000 deaths are ascribed to colorectal cancer, the 3rd most common cancer in the world. It is the reason why one must consult a medical specialist for incessant blood in stool.
Tumours in the colon, appendix and rectum are categorised as colorectal cancer. Surgical removal and chemotherapy are standard treatment for colorectal cancer which is chiefly uncovered by colonoscopy (visual inspection by micro-camera introduced via the anus. Fret not for full recovery is possible with timely discovery. Higher risk groups comprise those over 50 years of age and those with family history of cancers. Gender makes no difference as colorectal cancer is among the top death-causing cancers among both women and men..
It is imperative to know this next bit of information. Contrary to popular internet literature, colorectal cancer frequently results in occult (invisible to the naked eye) blood in feces i.e it is NOT a regular reason for visible blood in stool! Colorectal cancer results in occult bleeding i.e. blood is not detectable by the naked eye, and special tests are essential for determination. This is according to the University of Michigan Health System. Important associated symptoms to watch out for are constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, appetite loss, weight loss and constant fatigue.
Colon Polyp
Mostly benign, polyps are raised or flat growths on the intestinal or rectum wall. Polyps have a predisposition to crop up in those over 50 and with a family history of colorectal cancer and polyps. Contributory factors include lack of exercise, obesity, alcohol and smoking. In reality, the real cause is not known.
Though of benign origin, some polyps can become malignant so they are normally excised during colonoscopy. Most with polyps exhibit no symptoms at all|Symptoms may not be exhibited at all in many who have polyps|Polyps do not usually cause visible symptoms. But in some people, blood in stool crop up.
Diverticulosis
This is the appearance of pouches or pockets (diverticula), extending out of the colon wall. Abnormal colon pressure is presumed to be the reason of diverticula growth. An absence of dietary fiber aggravates diverticulosis. Diverticulitis is an infection that may arise if food gets stuck in diverticula. Complications from diverticulitis can result if a diseased diverticulum ruptures and releases bacteria to the abdominal cavity lining. The possibly fatal peritonitis can materialise.
Most people with diverticulosis do not see any symptoms at all. Some may feel symptoms of constipation, bloating and mild cramps. Yet others suffer more acutely, including nausea, vomiting and rectal bleeding as the most common symptoms. The peril of peritonitis attest to the urgency that blood in stool should in the first instance be examined by a doctor. Diverticulitis can be effectually diagnosed with a CT (computed tomography) scan.
Ulcerative Colitis
Colitis falls under the grouping of IBD or inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammation by itself is a positive bodily response to heal injured tissue. Inflammation is a double-edged sword, triggering off remedying of wounded tissue but causing tissue harm if left uncontrolled. Colitis in the colon is caused by deterioration of the mucous membrane lining i.e. ulcers.
Apart from other symptoms, blood in stool is prevalent. The dire prospect of peritonitis from colitis is the key reason for identifying it as the cause of rectal bleeding.
Crohn’s Disease
An inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease is also an auto-immune disease which inflames the gastrointestinal tract in a destructive way. The whole gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, can succumb to Crohn's disease. However, the large intestine (colon) and small intestine, are the main sites~But it typically affects the small and large intestine (colon)~The small and large intestine (colon), however, are the primary afflicted areas.
Contributory causes, though not definitively identified, include smoking, genetic makeup and industrial environmental exposure. The symptoms are blood in stool, blood in toilet bowl or on toilet tissue, abdominal cramps, severe bloody diarrhea, weight loss and fever.
Crohn's disease, also known as granulomatous colitis, can go into abeyance and revert periodically on a life-long basis. There is at present no known medical cure, whether pharmaceutical or surgical. Early detection is essential for effective management of the symptoms and inhibiting relapses.
Intestinal Ischemia
Ischemia is a suppression in blood supply to any part of the body. Tissue damage ensues due to the deprivation of nutrients and oxygen by dysfunctional arteries. Ischemic colitis or intestinal ischemia is the inflammation of the large intestine from the lack of blood supply which result from low blood pressure, blood vessel constriction or blood clots.
Symptoms include blood in stool, abdominal bloating, abdominal cramps, violent bowel movements, nausea, fever and weight loss. Emergency medical attention is required to rejuvenate intestinal blood supply if there is serious continual pain. Surgery may be needed to remove injured tissue, blockages and blood clots and to circumvent blocked blood vessels. To repress clots and infections, respective medication includes anticoagulants and antibiotics.
Peptic Ulcer
An intensely painful ulcer, this is found in the gastrointestinal tract. An deterioration of the mucosal membrane that is at least 0.5cm in diameter is an ulcer. Peptic ulcers usually develop in the duodenum (initial part of the small intestine) and not in the stomach as commonly believed. Peptic ulcers are commonly suspected to be caused by a bacterium that inflicts chronic gastritis.
Symptoms include blood in stool (melena), abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, appetite and weight loss, vomiting of blood and at the extreme, perforation of the intestine. Peritonitis, possibly life-threatening, may manifest and entail emergency surgery. Treatment of milder cases incorporates antibiotics to resist the bacteria and antacids to moderate the acidity.
Hemorrhoids
If any of the 7 above causes is the reason for rectal bleeding, then it can only be established by a detailed diagnosis by a doctor. Proper treatment and medication, possibly including surgery, can propel the path to recovery.
If the above heavy discourse has disheartened you, you may find it consolatory to know that the most common cause of blood in stool is plain old hemorrhoids.
Further Reading
If you are interested in finding more about this topic, we have a related post on Bowel Movement Bleeding - Six Possible Causes Of Rectal Bleeding at our site. Do check this out.
Related Reading:
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