Blood in the Stool and Hemorrhoids

Blood in the Stool

Any process within the intestinal tract that causes bleeding can result in blood in the toilet or on your undergarments. Hemorrhoidal bleeding is usually scant, a few drops or sometimes as much as a couple of teaspoons. If you feel weak, light-headed, or dizzy combined with more significant blood loss, seek medical attention immediately. There are a number of potential causes of intestinal bleeding, some of which can be serious. Small bleeds may be a warning of a larger bleed to come.

Never assume that bleeding is from hemorrhoids, especially if you are over age 40 or have no history of previous hemorrhoid problems. If you have black and/or tar-like stools, see a doctor immediately. Gastrointestinal specialists use upper and/or lower endoscopy (long telescopic probes with a leading video camera inserted via the mouth or anus) to diagnose gastrointestinal bleeding. If they cannot determine the source of bleeding with endoscopy, they might use a nuclear scan or even angiography (a dye study of the arteries) in the investigation.

Hemorrhoids

Most often, bright red blood with a bowel movement is due to bleeding from hemorrhoid veins. Hemorrhoid bleeding may occur when enlarged and inflamed blood vessels that line the anal canal rupture. You may also experience pain with defecation or anal itching. Enlarged hemorrhoids are caused by excessive and repeated pressure on the rectum caused by constipation, straining, or prolonged sitting. Often a bout of diarrhea precedes the symptoms of inflamed hemorrhoids.

Treat hemorrhoids with topical steroid preparations, in cream or suppository form, and stool softeners. Frequent warm soaks in the tub keep the area clean and provide additional relief. Chronic sufferers should avoid prolonged straining and sitting, and choose a diet high in fiber to avoid constipation. Bulking agents such as Metamucil or Citrucel may help you stay regular.