Blood in stool is not something that you should take casually. This could be an indication of a very serious medical condition and therefore requires prompt action. If you spot blood in your stools, you should discuss it with a health practitioner immediately. There are many ways in which you can spot blood in stools. If you see blood on the toilet paper, while cleaning yourself, or on your underwear, it could be an indication of bloody stools. However, this could also be a sign of an irregular menstrual cycle in women. Blood in stool, though an indication of an intestinal condition, is not always very easily noticeable. If you have been passing blood in stool, you may not be able to identify it. Look for small streaks of blood in the stool or near your rectum. A dark black or dark red colored stool may be due to blood in it. However, it is important to understand that if the color of your stool is changed, it does not really mean that you are experiencing blood in stools. Blood in stool causes a change in the color of stools, but so do certain food materials and medications.
Iron supplements and a diet that is rich in beets can cause stools to turn dark or red in color. The most common of blood in stool causes is irritable bowel syndrome. Anal fissures, hemorrhoids and pressure sores due to constipation are some of the other blood in stool causes. Bright red colored blood in stools almost always indicates hemorrhoids. Bleeding ulcers in the stomach may also cause the appearance of blood in stools. There are some other more serious conditions associated with bloody stools as well. Apart from peptic ulcers, bleeding stools could also be caused by tumors or polyps in the stomach. Cancers or ulcers in the bowel or the anus or a low platelet count could all result in bleeding and subsequently the condition of blood in stools. Bloody stools cause a lot of discomfort. Blood in stool during pregnancy may especially be a little worrying. However, since there are many reasons for blood in stool, it is best to first check with your doctor, before you begin to panic. If you have been experiencing blood and mucus in stool, you may need to increase your intake of water and fibrous foods. This will help you make softer stools and eliminate any kind of bowel irritations while passing stools.
Reasons for blood in stool in children could be parasites in the intestines. Be sure to take your child to the doctor and get him/her checked for worms as the reasons for blood in stools in children are usually parasites. Do not use any laxatives or enemas on children. Also make sure that you keep the anus of your child clean. Avoid using cosmetic products and soaps with harsh chemicals around the intimate area. For blood and mucus in stool along with diarrhea, a doctor should be consulted to test for irritable bowel syndrome. If you see blood and mucus in stool, but there is no pain, a sitz bath may help you. This bath is soothing for anal fissures and hemorrhoids. Passing blood in both stools and urine can be a sign of a serious condition. This could indicate cancerous growth in your body and therefore needs immediate medical attention. Be sure to get yourself checked thoroughly. Blood and mucus in stools of a new born baby is also a sign of something serious. Get proper post natal care for yourself and your baby to ensure no infection has been passed or contracted.
answered by M W