home Audience 7 Bloody discharge in the stool. What does blood in an adult's stool mean? So, what clues can lead you to the correct diagnosis if you see blood in your stools?

Bloody discharge in the stool. What does blood in an adult's stool mean? So, what clues can lead you to the correct diagnosis if you see blood in your stools?

Blood in the stool can appear when bleeding in any part of the digestive tube. Black stools indicate bleeding from the stomach and esophagus, and streaks of blood in the feces indicate bleeding from the large intestine. Uniform staining of feces with dark blood is observed with damage to the small intestine. And the discharge of blood from the anus after a bowel movement serves as a symptom or.

The appearance of blood in the stool is an occasion to immediately consult a doctor. and does indicate a life-threatening condition - bleeding from a gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer. But blood streaks in the feces can speak not only of acute conditions, but also of chronic pathologies. However, this is not a reason to postpone a visit to the doctor.

Structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract

Common causes of appearance

Let's look at what pathologies can cause blood clots in the stool and how to detect them. After reading this article, you will understand how dangerous this symptom can be and that only an experienced specialist will help eliminate this manifestation. Therefore, do not hesitate, consult a doctor as soon as possible, because the presence of blood streaks in the feces already indicates the neglect of the process.

The reason may be:

colon polyps;
Malignant oncopathology;

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune inflammation of the colon that is difficult to treat. The inflammatory process provokes the formation of ulcers and erosions on the mucous membrane, which leads to the appearance of blood in the stool. Along with the blood, pus is also found, and the stools have an extremely fetid odor.

Interesting: if in other pathologies, blood in the stool is found only at advanced stages, then ulcerative colitis can manifest itself from this manifestation. Also, blood and mucus can be released from the anus outside the act of defecation.

Other symptoms

In addition to changing the nature of the stool in ulcerative colitis, the following symptoms occur:

Diarrhea up to 20 times a day;
Pain syndrome of varying intensity;
An increase in body temperature to subfebrile figures;
Loss of appetite, exhaustion;

A reliable cause of ulcerative colitis has not been established, but a large role is given to autoimmune inflammation and genetic predisposition. And worsens the condition of patients stress and errors in nutrition.

Of the specific diagnostic methods, in order to detect this pathology, fecal analysis and endoscopic examination with biopsy are used.

Colon polyps

They are benign spherical or branched formations that exist asymptomatically for a long time. The appearance indicates the neglect of the process and requires immediate surgical treatment, otherwise malignant oncopathology may develop in place of benign polyps. In more than 50% of cases, polyps degenerate into cancer within 10 years.

Important: if your relatives had bowel cancer or colon polyposis, then after 40 years, it is recommended to perform a colonoscopy every 2 years. And if polyps are found, they should be surgically removed. The operation is also performed endoscopically and does not require a long rehabilitation period. There are no other ways to prevent bowel cancer other than early detection and treatment.

The reasons for the growth of polyps are varied, but more attention is paid to hereditary predisposition and age over 50 years. In addition to bleeding, these benign growths can cause diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Detection of polyps during colonoscopy

Malignant oncopathology

Colon cancer is not uncommon in older patients. Prolonged exposure to adverse factors, together with reduced immunity and genetic predisposition, can cause oncopathology. For bowel cancer, adverse factors play a huge role, since this type of cancer develops only in older patients.

Like polyposis, colon cancer may not manifest itself for a long time. The appearance of blood in the feces indicates the neglect of the process and ulceration of the tumor. Along with this, the following symptoms join:

Pain in the abdomen, localized mainly on one side (often on the left);
Violation of the stool, diarrhea, alternating with constipation;
Violation of the general condition: decreased performance, constant increase in body temperature;
Anemia, which is manifested by pallor and weakness;
weight loss, loss of appetite;
With complete occlusion of the intestinal lumen, intestinal obstruction may develop.

The described manifestations arise due to intoxication of the body with tumor decay products and overlapping of the intestinal lumen by a growing tumor. At the last stage, when the cancer grows into other organs, dysfunction of other organs joins the existing manifestations.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of bowel cancer consists in performing a colonoscopy, during which a tumor is detected, followed by a biopsy. Only during a histological examination can a doctor make a diagnosis of cancer.

Important: At an early stage, bowel cancer can be completely cured with the preservation of all parts of the intestine. And extensive operations with resection are prescribed only in advanced cases. Therefore, early diagnosis will help to avoid disability.

Diverticulitis

A diverticulum is a sac-like protrusion of the wall of a hollow organ (esophagus, stomach, intestines, bladder). Diverticulosis is a disease characterized by the appearance of multiple diverticula. The disease can exist asymptomatically for a long time, but when certain factors are exposed to the intestinal wall, the diverticulum becomes inflamed, capturing the surrounding tissues as well. This is how diverticulitis develops.

What do diverticula and diverticulitis look like?

Diverticulitis is a more dangerous pathology due to the likelihood of developing many complications. The appearance of feces with streaks of blood is just a symptom of a complication - bleeding from the diverticulum. Along with this, patients complain of the following manifestations of diverticulitis:

Violation of the digestive processes: nausea, vomiting, change in the nature of the stool;
Constant pain in the abdomen, which is not stopped by the reception;
With inflammation of the diverticulum, along with blood in the stool, mucus can be detected, as well as an increase in temperature and manifestations of intoxication.

Both single and multiple diverticula can exist asymptomatically and be detected during examination for other pathologies. The most accurate diagnosis of diverticulosis is established after X-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract with contrast.

Interesting: On x-rays, diverticula are very clearly defined in the form of sac-like protrusions, but such a modern method as endoscopy does not always allow to confirm the diagnosis of diverticulosis.

internal hemorrhoids

With internal hemorrhoids, enlarged hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and are not visible when viewed from the anus. During bowel movements, the nodes can be injured and light blood streaks remain on the surface of the feces. Hemorrhoids are also characterized by other local symptoms: itching in the anus, pain during defecation, constipation, swelling in the anal area outside the act of defecation.

Recall: external hemorrhoids can also be accompanied by the release of blood, but usually the blood is released at the end of the act of defecation, and its traces can remain on linen and toilet paper.

The causes of hemorrhoids vary, but the most common are regular constipation and a sedentary lifestyle. Often, inflammation of the hemorrhoids occurs in pregnant women, which is associated with an increased load on the vessels, including the hemorrhoidal veins.

Diagnosis of internal hemorrhoids is carried out by examining the anal area and performing rectoscopy (endoscopic examination of the rectum).

Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum. Also emit inflammation of the rectum and sigmoid colon - proctosigmoiditis. Both of these diseases can be combined with the appearance of blood clots in the feces, but only with the formation of erosive and ulcerative defects. Then the patient is diagnosed with erosive, ulcerative or ulcerative-necrotic forms of proctitis.

The causes of inflammation of the rectal mucosa are diverse. Proctitis can cause hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal injuries, intestinal infections, specific infections (tuberculosis, syphilis), malnutrition, intestinal dysbacteriosis, and many other adverse factors.

The appearance of blood streaks in the stool in an adult is not a specific symptom for this pathology, but occurs in advanced cases. At the same time, patients complain of pain in the perineum and lower back, impaired stool, fever and a violation of the general condition of the body. Along with blood, mucus and pus may appear in the stool.

For the diagnosis of proctitis, a digital examination of the rectum and stool analysis (coprogram) are usually used. Sometimes rectoscopy is performed, and in severe cases, a biopsy of the rectal mucosa.

Where is proctitis localized?

Worm infestations

Helminths enter the body by the fecal-oral route when eating unwashed vegetables, poorly processed meat affected by worms, and contact with infected animals. This pathology disrupts the functioning of the whole organism, causing general intoxication and exhaustion.

In addition to the appearance of red streaks in the feces, helminthiasis of the colon is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Nausea, weakness;
Constant feeling of hunger;
Depressed mood, depression;
Skin rashes, allergic reactions;
Itching in the anus (with damage to the rectum).

If you suspect helminthiasis, be sure to contact a specialist. Worm infestations are quite difficult to treat, so the sooner the patient is prescribed specific therapy, the sooner his condition will return to normal.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of helminthiasis of the colon is simple and based on the study of feces. Identification of helminths and their eggs in the feces allows you to make a diagnosis. Sometimes a set of examinations is supplemented by a blood test for common helminthiases in order to exclude damage by other worms and protozoa.

Important: Almost always, when blood clots appear in the stool, the patient is prescribed an endoscopic examination - a colonoscopy. So the doctor will definitely make sure that there is no danger to the life of the patient. In addition, during a colonoscopy, a bleeding vessel can be cauterized, which immediately stops the bleeding.

All the situations described in which blood clots appear in the feces are chronic, but this does not mean that their treatment should be postponed. Among acute conditions, blood may appear in intestinal infections, but this patient will be more worried about indomitable vomiting, diarrhea and severe exhaustion.

Blood streaks in the stool accompany a lot of pathologies, so self-medication here is pointless and dangerous. Contact the clinic to find out the cause of such a symptom, because timely diagnosis can save a life.

All materials on the site are presented
for acquaintance, contraindications are possible, consultation with the doctor is MANDATORY! Do not engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment!

Blood in the stool is a serious symptom that requires careful attention. It may appear as scarlet streaks on the stool or as inclusions in liquid secretions, it may appear as a brown liquid or an elastic substance similar to tar. In any of these cases, it is necessary to find out the causes of bleeding. It is dangerous because it occurs when the integrity of the blood vessel and the organ in which it is located is violated. The presence of stools with an admixture of blood in 97% indicates diseases of the digestive tract.

Why is blood in stool different colors?

The gastrointestinal tract contains substances (hydrochloric acid, enzymes, etc.) and microorganisms that can change the color of the blood. The farther from the rectum the source of its outpouring, and the longer it is in the lumen of the digestive tract, the more significantly its color will differ from red. Whatever the color of the blood (red, burgundy, black), it should not appear during a bowel movement.

When does blood have a normal color?

Regular red blood may appear in the stool if it has not been affected by enzymes and bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This can happen if the source of bleeding is close to the anus or if it passes quickly through the digestive tract.

In what diseases of the large intestine is blood found during defecation?

If the speed of movement of the food bolus is normal, then unchanged blood in the stool in an adult indicates diseases of the sigmoid and rectum with the anal area. The most common causes of blood in the stool are:

What diseases cause black stools?

This group of diseases includes all diseases in which the source of bleeding is located far from the rectum (in the upper gastrointestinal tract) with the volume and speed of passage of the food bolus preserved. In this case, hydrochloric acid, enzymes and bacteria that affect red blood cells change the color of the blood. The food bolus turns into a viscous sticky substance of black color - it is called "melena". It can be caused by a blood loss of more than 50 ml. The cause of such bleeding can be the following diseases:

Ulcer disease. With blood loss localized in the stomach or duodenum, melena will appear against the background of pain in the upper abdomen associated with food intake (occurring after eating or on an empty stomach). Patients may experience nausea, heartburn, and belching.
Diseases of the esophagus (diverticula, tumors, peptic ulcers). Most often, bleeding with them will provoke hematemesis. However, when diagnosing melena, it must be remembered that a significant part of this pathology leads to the appearance of black stools with a characteristic odor.
Tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. In their diagnosis, palpation, the use of x-rays with contrast, ultrasound and blood tests are informative.
Injuries. In this case, in addition to melena, pain, etc. there is a clear relationship with exposure to a traumatic agent. Diagnosis depends on the nature of the damage and its location.
Taking medicines. Taking drugs that have anti-inflammatory effects (NSAIDs) and reduce blood clotting can lead to complications in the form of gastrointestinal bleeding. The aspirin ulcer is a classic example of this effect. When diagnosing when melena occurs, the doctor should be aware of the drugs taken and concomitant diseases. This will simplify and speed up the subsequent treatment.
Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts (tumors, etc.). May be accompanied by obstructive jaundice with discoloration of the mucous membranes and intense pain in the right hypochondrium. Diagnosis is carried out using laboratory methods (liver tests, etc.) and ultrasound.
Diseases of the pancreas. With a cyst, cancer and pancreatic necrosis, blood may enter the lumen of the duodenum. Pain, dyspepsia and signs of intoxication complete the clinical picture.

Regardless of the causes of melena, it indicates the occurrence of bleeding, the volume of which exceeds 50 ml. This is accompanied by pallor of the skin, dizziness, weakness and loss of consciousness.

What to do with gastrointestinal bleeding?

If blood appears in the stool, you should consult a doctor. Depending on what caused the disease, the treatment will be carried out by an infectious disease specialist, therapist, gastroenterologist, proctologist or other doctor. Where to turn for help? If the blood loss is severe, an ambulance should be called. If a small amount of blood or traces of it is found on the stool, you can consult a doctor at the clinic. There, depending on the clinical signs, laboratory research methods (general blood count, feces for helminth eggs, etc.), instrumental examinations (sigmoidoscopy, ultrasound, etc.) and examination by a proctologist will be prescribed.

Blood that is released during or after a bowel movement is a symptom of many proctological diseases, it is this that patients most often notice.

If blood appears once and in a small amount, then this rarely causes concern in a person, but in vain!

Blood as a symptom of proctological diseases

Most often, blood during and after a bowel movement occurs as a result of certain proctological diseases, which include:

colon cancer;
polyps;
diverticulosis;

The reasons why blood comes out of the anus during bowel movements, in the case of these diseases, are as follows:

Characteristics

The nature of the discharge of blood can be varied depending on the characteristics of the disease:

The nature of bleeding directly depends on the characteristics of the course of a particular disease in a patient.

That is why, when making a diagnosis, doctors without fail pay attention to the peculiarities of blood discharge in patients.

About factors provocateurs in brief

There are a huge number of reasons why blood occurs during and after a bowel movement.

The main causes of this pathological condition are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or diseases that are infectious in nature.

The appearance of blood in the stool is affected by:

If a patient has a stool with blood, but none of the listed diseases has been identified, what else can it be:

Bloody stool in an adult male

Very often, blood during bowel movements is observed in men, most often in the stronger sex, blood discharge appears as a result of the development of hemorrhoids, cirrhosis of the liver, peptic ulcer, oncological diseases, infectious diseases, intestinal diverticula, Crohn's disease, etc.

If a man takes hormones for a sufficiently long time, then this leads to the development of this pathological condition.

A fairly common cause of such a violation can be a genetic predisposition. With increased acidity of the stomach of a male representative, he also has blood during and after defecation.

If a man has the first signs of pathology, then he should immediately seek help from a proctologist. This will allow timely detection of the disease and prescribe treatment.

It's hard for women too

Scarlet blood from the anus during bowel movements in women is a fairly common problem.

It occurs when a female representative develops polyps, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, polyps, colon cancer.

This pathological condition is very often observed in women who are in an interesting position. This is due to the fact that the fetus puts pressure on the digestive tract. In most cases, blood stops flowing after the baby is born.

Liquid, bloody and painful

Loose stools with blood occur very rarely. Such a pathology can occur as a result of the body's reaction to exposure to toxic substances.

If the development of pathogens is observed in the gastrointestinal tract, then this leads to the release of blood during the bowel movement. Very often, loose stools are observed with:

rotavirus infection;
dysentery;
salmonellosis;
colitis;
gastroenteritis.

If a person eats low-quality foods, then this leads to diarrhea with blood. Treatment of pathology is aimed at eliminating its symptoms.

Bloody obstruction

Constipation with blood is a very common occurrence in both men and women. Pathology occurs as a result of damage to the mucous membrane of the colon with feces.

The reason for the appearance of such a pathological condition may be malnutrition of the patient. If the patient develops neuro-regulatory disorders or intestinal diseases, this leads to constipation.

A sedentary lifestyle is also the main cause of pathology. the patient only needs to lead a healthy lifestyle.

How to be, so as not to miss the moment?

The first goal in the treatment of patients who present with bleeding after a bowel movement is to make a correct diagnosis.

For this purpose, the patient undergoes a study by a gastroenterologist, passes stool and blood tests. If necessary, it can be sent for ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment of pathology most often consists in eliminating the causes of its occurrence.

For example, if blood discharge appears as a result of gastritis, then this disease is treated. The most commonly used treatment is drug therapy. There are cases when there is a need for surgical intervention.

If you do not carry out timely treatment of pathology, then this can lead to certain complications.

For example, with cracks in the rectum, after a certain time, its ruptures can be observed.

A rather dangerous complication is a large loss of blood in a patient. This poses a danger not only to health, but also to human life.

Preventive measures

In order to avoid the appearance of blood during a bowel movement, certain preventive measures must be observed.

To this end, the patient needs to eat right. He should eat vegetables, fruits and a variety of foods that contain fiber in small amounts.

This will promote normal digestion and stool consistency that will not irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

Also, a person needs to lead a correct lifestyle. He has to move a lot, play sports. All these preventive measures will limit the possibility of violations and, as a result, the possibility of blood appearing after a bowel movement.

During or after the act of defecation, this is a very serious pathological condition that indicates the presence of an upset gastrointestinal tract.

If you notice the first signs of pathology, then you will need to seek help from a proctologist who will correctly diagnose and prescribe rational treatment.

Blood in the stool is a very alarming symptom that indicates the presence of a disease. Blood appears in the feces due to a violation of the integrity of the vessels in the walls of the intestine. This symptom can be observed with such ailments as hemorrhoids, dysentery, anal fissure, proctitis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, cancer.

Dysentery can cause loose stools with unpleasant blood impurities.

Blood in the stool often appears due to infectious diseases. The most common and dangerous infectious disease is dysentery. This disease is difficult to tolerate and can have a detrimental effect on the entire body.

The causative agents of this infectious disease irritate the intestinal mucosa, which causes frequent loose stools with unpleasant blood impurities. Loose stools can be observed up to 20 times a day. Other signs of dysentery are tenesmus, pain and intoxication syndromes. The patient may have an increase in body temperature, there are unpleasant, chills, general weakness.

Another infectious disease that causes blood in the stool is amoebiasis. This disease is caused by amoebas. The manifestation of this infection is loose stools with a small amount of mucus and blood. This disease can transform into a chronic stage, which leads to the appearance.

Diseases of the rectum and anus

Discomfort during defecation can be caused by an anal fissure.

The main therapy should be aimed at the complete elimination of the cause of the disease. In this case, drug treatment should be prescribed by a doctor only after a detailed one. If there is a crack in the anus, you need to control your bowel movements, avoiding constipation and diarrhea. They can additionally irritate the intestinal mucosa, preventing the crack from healing.

Before going to the toilet, you need to use special rectal suppositories containing anesthetics. The usual will help eliminate constipation. However, the introduction of an enema should be taken very carefully. The tip should be inserted into the anus very slowly and carefully. After defecation, you need to use an anesthetic candle.

With anal fissure, it is desirable to pay special attention to nutrition. Patients should give up salty, bitter, sour and spicy foods. Fried foods are also prohibited. Rectal suppositories with softening sea buckthorn oil have a good effect. In addition, with bowel diseases, it is not recommended to lift heavy objects.

Pathological manifestations: subtleties of treatment

Among the features of the treatment of bowel disease, it is worth noting:

conservative therapy. Its essence lies in the use of venotonics ("Aescusan", "Detralex"), anesthetics, anti-inflammatory drugs;
treatment of immune diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). In this case, hormones, antimicrobial agents, cytostatics are used to treat the disease;
treatment of infectious diseases (). In this case, treatment is carried out using antibiotics. In addition, symptomatic therapy is carried out.

Video footage will tell in detail about the appearance of blood in the stool:

Blood in the stool: folk therapy

Often used to treat various intestinal diseases. This category includes:

solution of potassium permanganate for baths. The water should be a little warm, the solution should be weak;
warm baths of chamomile decoction. Chamomile relieves inflammation and heals anal fissures;
microclysters with chestnut bark.

It is important to remember that folk methods must be accompanied. In this case, the treatment should be prescribed only by an experienced and certified doctor.

Tell your friends! Share this article with your friends on your favorite social network using the social buttons. Thank you!

Along with this article read:

Light or dark blood in the stool is a sign of pathology. Normally, it shouldn't be. Rectal bleeding most often occurs in adults, due to their lifestyle and diet. This symptom appears with simple hemorrhoids or malignant pathology (cancer). Blood is not always visible to the naked eye, making the diagnosis difficult.

Why does it happen

With the appearance of feces with blood, the cause can be infectious and non-infectious. This symptom in humans is caused by:

A reddish tint to feces does not mean the presence of a disease. This is observed when taking certain medications or eating food (beets, watermelons, tomatoes). When taking iron supplements and activated charcoal, the stool often turns black.

anal fissure

The release of blood during the stool is a sign of a fissure in the anus. This is a deep mucosal defect of an elliptical or linear shape. The crack can reach a length of 2 cm or more. Pathology is often detected along with hemorrhoids. The appearance of a crack provokes:

constipation;
severe diarrhea;
inflammatory diseases;
stress;
irritable bowel syndrome;
haemorrhoids;
having anal sex;
errors in the diet (excess in the menu of spicy and coarse food);
trauma during childbirth;
weight lifting and blood stasis.

In patients, traces of blood are found on the surface of feces. She stands out a little. Blood comes out at the end of a bowel movement and does not mix with feces. Fresh blood is scarlet. Some people experience heavy bleeding. Along with this symptom, there are pains during and after bowel movements, discomfort and anal itching.

Haemorrhoids

Solid feces with blood - this means that a person has an exacerbation of hemorrhoids. Mostly people aged 20-40 are ill. With hemorrhoids, the veins of the anus are affected. They lose elasticity and firmness, which leads to the formation of knots. In the early stages, the nodes are located inside, and in the later stages they go outside and do not reduce.

Bleeding occurs when the veins of the anus are damaged by hard feces.

Hemorrhoids occur in people leading a sedentary (sedentary) lifestyle, in pregnant women and women in childbirth, with constipation, long journeys, malnutrition and hard physical work.

With hemorrhoids, scarlet blood may appear in the stool. In most patients, the amount of discharge does not exceed a few drops. Only occasionally is there bleeding. If left untreated, anemia often develops. Defecation is accompanied by pain and itching. When examining the anus, hemorrhoids are revealed.

Polyps in the intestine

Scarlet blood in the stool is caused by polyps. These are non-malignant neoplasms, which are outgrowths on a thin stalk or a wide base. The exact reasons for their appearance have not been established. Risk factors:

The large intestine is predominantly affected.

Signs of polyps in men and women:

Sometimes mucus and pus comes out with feces. Blood stools are observed as a result of an increase in polyps, their injury and ulceration. The closer to the anus the polyp is located, the brighter the secreted blood. This pathology can degenerate into cancer.

Oncology

The admixture of red blood cells in the feces is a sign of bowel cancer. Colorectal cancer is the most commonly diagnosed. The risk of developing the disease increases with:

the presence in the family of cancer patients;
genetic mutations;
chronic inflammatory diseases;
adenomatous polyps;
the absence of cereals in the menu;
insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits;
smoking;
alcoholism;
stagnation of feces;
contact with carcinogens;
Lynch syndrome.

The main symptom of colorectal cancer is the presence of bloody inclusions in the stool in adults. However, they are not on top of the feces, but mixed with them. Blood is expelled without pain. Other signs of malignant pathology are:

tenesmus;
alternating diarrhea with constipation;
gas and fecal incontinence;
signs of intoxication in the form of exhaustion, pallor and weakness.

The occurrence of blood in the feces in men is possible in the later stages, which worsens the prognosis.

Acute intestinal infection

If there is blood in the stool, then intestinal infections (salmonellosis, dysentery and escherichiosis) can be suspected. A feature of these diseases is diarrhea. Bleeding in salmonellosis occurs due to Salmonella infection when eating food (salads, confectionery, meat of sick animals, fish, eggs, unboiled water) and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large and small intestines.

With this pathology, the stool is liquid, up to 10 times or more often, greenish in color (like swamp mud) and mixed with scarlet or dark blood. If the stomach is damaged, this symptom is absent. Diarrhea also develops in people infected with shigella. Infection occurs by water, food and contact household routes.

Small children often get sick.

Infection and excretion of blood with feces is most often observed in the warm season (summer and autumn). In dysentery, the stool resembles rectal spit. Additional symptoms include false, painful urination, dyspepsia, and fever. Frequent stools indicate the development of gastroenteritis.

Crohn's disease

The presence of streaks of blood in the stool in an adult is a symptom of Crohn's disease. With it, granulomatous inflammation of the digestive organs develops. The disease has an autoimmune nature. The risk of developing this pathology increases with smoking, allergies, the use of oral contraceptives and alcoholism.

The hallmark of Crohn's disease is a combination of intestinal symptoms (bleeding, loose stools, pain) with extraintestinal signs (affecting the eyes, joints, and skin). Both streaks and blood clots in the stool are possible. If there is blood in the stool, the disease can lead to anemia. There is dizziness, weakness and decreased performance. People become pale.

Intestinal diverticulosis

Bloody stools suggest diverticulosis. This is a condition in which there are multiple protrusions of the sac-shaped bowel wall. The large intestine is most commonly affected. This pathology develops as a result of weakness of the connective tissue. Causes of diverticula:

The disease can be asymptomatic for many years. Signs of diverticulosis:

diarrhea;
abdominal pain that decreases or disappears after a bowel movement;
recurrent rectal bleeding;
flatulence (increased gas formation).

Sometimes the stool is hard. In this case, the feces are spherical and surrounded by mucus.

endometriosis

A common cause of blood in the stool in women is endometriosis. It is characterized by the growth of glandular tissue, similar to the endometrium of the uterus, in the intestine. Women under 40 are more commonly affected. Risk factors:

inflammation of the uterine appendages (salpingoophoritis);
endometritis;
abortion in history;
overweight;
liver disease.

With endometriosis, the serous (outer) layer of the organ is affected.

Symptoms of this female disease:

feces with blood and mucus;
pain;
constipation alternating with diarrhea;
gas retention;
pain during sexual intercourse.

This pathology is often accompanied by metrorrhagia (non-cyclical bleeding) and menorrhagia (menstrual disorders).

Manifestations

The main symptom is the presence of blood (erythrocytes) in the patient's feces. The blood can be scarlet (with damage to the final sections of the intestine) or dark in color (with damage to the esophagus, stomach and initial section of the small intestine). This symptom appears constantly (with each bowel movement) or periodically. At the same time, the following symptoms may be observed:

frequent urge to go to the toilet;
general malaise;
temperature increase;
diarrhea or constipation;
pain during bowel movements;
painful urge to go to the toilet;
false urges;
change in the shape of feces to ribbon-like (with narrowing of the intestinal lumen) or spherical;
bloating;
nausea;
vomiting (if it appears, you can suspect the pathology of the stomach and esophagus);
loss of appetite;
heartburn;
abdominal pain;
bleeding at other locations.

Which doctor to contact

In the presence of bleeding, you need to consult a doctor (gastroenterologist, colonoproctologist). You should go to the doctor right away. Otherwise, progression of the underlying disease and worsening of the condition is possible.

Diagnostics

When bleeding with a stool, you will need:

Collection of anamnesis.
Physical examination. Includes palpation, percussion and listening.
Finger examination of the rectum.
Gynecological examinations (ultrasound, hysteroscopy, examination on an obstetric chair).
Colonoscopy (examination of the colon with an endoscope).
Sigmoidoscopy (examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon).
Coprogram.
Examination of feces for occult blood.
Echography.
CT and MRI.
Irrigoscopy.
Biopsy with cytological and histological analysis.
General clinical blood and urine tests.
Biochemical study of blood.
bacteriological analysis.
Determination of tumor markers in the blood.

Fecal analysis

The coprogram (general analysis of feces) has a great diagnostic value. During it, it is determined:

volume of faeces;
acidity;
color;
smell;
consistency;
the presence of pathological impurities.

The material is collected after preparation, which includes washing and emptying the bladder. The material is collected in a clean container during natural defecation (no enemas or laxatives). Normally, in healthy people, erythrocytes are absent in the feces.

Sigmoidoscopy

Allows you to assess the condition of the mucosa of the rectum and sigmoid colon from the inside. A tube with a diameter of about 2 cm is inserted into the patient's rectum. The image is transmitted to the lens and light guide. This manipulation is a little painful. The tube is pre-lubricated with Vaseline.

If the feces come out with blood, then this study is mandatory. Before the procedure, you need to clean the intestines (by taking Fortrans or using 2 enemas).

Sigmoidoscopy reveals hemorrhoids, fissures, proctitis, sigmoiditis and neoplasms.

Colonoscopy

Bloody stools in an adult may require a colonoscopy. Differs from sigmoidoscopy:

the possibility of examining all parts of the colon;
longer duration;
the possibility of taking a tissue fragment for research;
soreness;
the possibility of removing the polyp and stopping bleeding;
transferring the image to the computer screen.

How to treat

If a person has a stool with blood, then complex therapy is required. Treatment is determined by the underlying disease. Help to cure the sick:

What to do if there is blood in the stool against the background of an ulcer, not everyone knows. Treatment includes antibiotics (if Helicobacter bacteria are detected), antacids (with increased acidity), proton pump blockers (Omeza) and gastroprotectors (De-Nola). Patients need to give up spicy, smoked, fried, coarse food and alcohol. Bleeding requires endoscopic hemostasis by means of electrocoagulation, thermocoagulation, or laser irradiation. In severe cases, surgery is required (ulcer closure, stomach resection, vascular suture).

With bleeding against the background of nonspecific ulcerative colitis, a diet, taking corticosteroids, sulfasalazine and immunosuppressants is indicated.

In acute intestinal infections, lavage, antibiotics, enzymes, infusion therapy, microclysters with herbs and diet are required.

If polyps are found, a biopsy with polypectomy, segmental bowel resection, or radical surgery is performed.

Hemorrhoids are treated with venotonics, suppositories and ointments, photocoagulation, laser, ligation, sclerotherapy and electrocoagulation. Perhaps a hemorrhoidectomy.

Prevention

To prevent bleeding in the stool, you need to treat inflammatory diseases, give up alcohol, spicy, hard and fried foods, stop smoking, avoid contact with chemicals, move more, play sports and not lift weights.