Common Causes
Sometimes, blood in the stool can be a symptom of something serious, like cancer. Blood in the stool may also be a false alarm. It is important to see a physician if you find blood in your stool. It can be scary to see blood on toilet tissue or in the bowl, and you might be tempted to ignore it and hope it goes away.
Related Conditions
Why Is Your Poop Black and Tarry?
- Iron Supplements. Black poop can be a side effect of iron pills you take for anemia -- a condition that happens when you don't have enough red blood cells to ...
- Dark-Colored Foods. Sometimes dark-colored foods turn your poop black. ...
- Medicines With Bismuth. ...
- Bleeding Ulcer. ...
- Esophageal and Gastric Cancers. ...
- Mallory-Weiss Tear. ...
- Esophageal Varices. ...
Is blood in your stool a very bad sign?
You should go to the ER immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Gushing blood from the rectum
- Fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fainting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cold and clammy skin
- Accelerated heart rate
- Blurred vision
- Reduced urine output
- Nausea
What does black stool indicate and how is it treated?
Diverticular bleeding can cause a large amount of blood in your stool. The blood in your stool may be bright or dark red clots. Diverticular bleeding often stops on its own and, in most cases, it’s not accompanied by pain.
What doctor should you see for blood in the stool?
What causes dark blood in stool and fatigue?
What does it mean when you have blood in your stool?
Blood in stool means there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract. Sometimes the amount of blood is so small that it can only be detected by a fecal occult test (which checks for hidden blood in the stool). At other times it may visible on toilet tissue or in the toilet after a bowel movement as bright red blood.
Why does stool look black?
Bleeding that happens higher up in the digestive tract may make stool appear black and tarry. Possible causes of blood in stool include: Diverticular disease. Diverticula are small pouches that project from the colon wall. Usually diverticula don't cause problems, but sometimes they can bleed or become infected.
Why is it important to have a doctor evaluate any bleeding in the stool?
It is important to have a doctor evaluate any bleeding in the stool. Any details you can give about the bleeding will help your doctor locate the site of bleeding. For example, a black, tarry stool is likely an ulcer or other problem in the upper part of the digestive tract.
What causes a fissure in the anus?
Fissures are often caused by passing a large, hard stool and can be painful. Colitis. Inflammation of the colon. Among the more common causes are infections or inflammatory bowel disease.
What tests can be done to determine if you have a bleed?
Tests may include: Nasogastric lavage. A test that may tell your doctor whether bleeding is in the upper or lower digestive tract.
What is a lab test for H pylori?
This may be necessary if other tests fail to find the cause of bleeding. Health care providers also order lab tests when there is blood in stools. These tests may look for clotting problems, anemia, and the presence of H. pylori infection.
How to treat a fissure in the anal?
These including eating a high-fiber diet to relieve constipation that can cause and aggravate hemorrhoids and anal fissures, and taking a Sitz bath, which means sitting in warm water to relieve fissures and hemorrhoids.
How to tell if you have blood in your stool?
Blood in the stool can be detected through a stool test. See your doctor right away if you have black stool along with pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you suspect there is blood in your stool, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Why is my stool black?
Causes. Black stool can be caused by eating certain foods, taking certain medications or supplements (like iron), or it can be the result of something more serious . Stool is also known as bowel movements, feces, or poop, and bodily waste left over after digestion.
Why does stool turn black after a syringe?
After the bleeding has stopped, stool may continue to appear black and tarry for several days. Possible causes of melena include a bleeding ulcer, gastritis, esop hageal varices (enlarged veins), or a tear in the esophagus from violent vomiting (Mallory-Weiss tear). 2.
What does it mean when your stool turns black?
Blood in the Stool (Melena) Blood that comes from the upper GI tract—such as the esophagus or the stomach—may turn the stool black. This is a condition called melena. If you have melena, you may also notice that your stool has a tarry texture or is similar to coffee grounds.
Why is my stool red?
This is a condition called hematochezia. Blood stemming from this region will be more red in appearance, because it will be exposed to less of the digestive process.
What is the inflammation of the stomach lining?
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. This inflammation can be caused by too much alcohol, eating spicy foods, smoking, infection with bacteria, or by the prolonged use of NSAIDs. Gastritis can also develop after surgery or trauma, or it may be associated with already existing medical conditions. 5
What is the rarest condition in the stomach?
Dieulafoy lesion (a rare condition of the stomach) Erosive esophagitis (inflammation in the esophagus) Erosive gastritis (inflammation in the stomach) Intestinal ischemia (blood supply to the intestines is cut off) Peptic ulcers (sores in the stomach lining or upper part of small intestine)
Why is my stool dark brown?
Color of Blood in Stool. The normal color of stool varies from light to dark brown. This is due to the presence of bilirubin and the decomposition of food. If the stool is black or red, bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract needs to be excluded, especially if it is ongoing. Certain foods, drinks and drugs may cause discoloration ...
What is the term for blood in stool?
There are two medical terms that are used to describe the presence of blood in the stool. Melena (UK ~ melaena) is the passage of black, tarry stools which is indicative of blood that has degraded. Hematochezia is the passage of bloody stools, where the blood appears fresh and red to maroon in color.
What does it mean when you have black tarry feces?
Melena is the term used to describe black tarry feces which is a result of “old” and degraded blood in the stool. It usually indicates an upper gastrointestinal bleed originating within the esophagus, stomach or duodenum of the small intestine.
What does hematocezia mean?
Hematochezia indicates bleeding in the lower gut – ileum of the small intestine, colon, rectum or anus. Often small amounts of blood in the stool is not easily noticed. In many cases bleeding is so minor that it requires special tests to identify.
What is a bleed in the lower gut?
Hematochezia, in contrast to melena, indicates a recent bleed in that the blood has not been exposed to oxygen, digestive enzymes or intestinal bacteria for a prolonged period so as to degrade the blood. In most cases, this is indicative of a bleed in the lower gut – namely the colon, rectum or anus.
What does it mean when you have red stains on your stool?
Red strands or streaks in the stool or red to pink staining of the toilet bowl water may also be an indication of hematochezia. T.
What causes a GI bleed?
Liver cirrhosis. Certain drugs that are known to cause an upper GI bleed like aspirin and other NSAID’s. Trauma to the gastrointestinal tract, which includes investigative medical procedures like an upper GI endoscopy and surgery. Foreign body lodged in the gut or passing through the gut.
Why does stool look like blood?
Because the intake of iron, bismuth or foods like beets can give the stool the same appearance as bleeding from the digestive tract , a doctor must test the stool for blood before offering a diagnosis. Other symptoms: Bright red blood coating the stool. Dark blood mixed with the stool. Black or tarry stool.
How do you know if you have a bleed in your digestive tract?
The signs of bleeding in the digestive tract depend upon the site and severity of bleeding. If blood is coming from the rectum or the lower colon, bright red blood will coat or mix with the stool. The cause of bleeding may not be serious, but locating the source of bleeding is important.
How to control bleeding from upper GI tract?
Active bleeding from the upper GI tract can often be controlled by injecting chemicals directly into a bleeding site with a needle introduced through the endoscope. A physician can also cauterize, or heat treat, a bleeding site and surrounding tissue with a heater probe or electrocoagulation device passed through the endoscope. ...
What is a small bowel endoscopy?
Small bowel endoscopy, or enteroscopy, is a procedure using a long endoscope. This endoscope may be used to localize unidentified sources of bleeding in the small intestine.
How to remove hemorrhoids?
Endoscopic injection or cautery can be used to treat bleeding sites throughout the lower intestinal tract. Endoscopic techniques do not always control bleeding.
What does a blood count indicate?
A complete history and physical examination are essential. A blood count will indicate whether the patient is anemic and also will give an idea of the extent of the bleeding and how chronic it may be.
What is the GI tract?
The digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine or colon, rectum and anus. Bleeding can come from one or more of these areas — from a small area like an ulcer on the lining of the stomach or from a large surface, such as an inflammation of the colon.
When to seek medical advice
Seek medical advice for any blood in stool. Seek emergency care if you notice:
Blood in stool in adults
Find possible causes of blood in stool based on specific factors. Check one or more factors on this page that apply to your symptom.
Why does my stool have blood in it?
Bloody stool can be caused by many things. Some of these causes are annoying yet pretty harmless like hemorrhoids or anal fissures; other causes are a lot more concerning—like cancer. If you or a loved one complains of blood in the stool, it's important that you/they see a physician.
What does blood in stool mean?
Blood in the stool typically presents as blood-red or maroonish and represents a bleed somewhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from mouth to anus. If blood is coming from the upper GI tract and is being digested, it can also take on a black, tar-like appearance called melena. 1 .
What is the name of the disease that causes blood in the stool?
Diverticular Disease. There are two types of diverticular disease—diverticulosis and diverticulitis. 16 Both can present with pain and may result in blood in the stool. Diverticulosis occurs when pouches or diverticula (singular diverticulum) form in the colon.
Why do diverticula grow?
These diverticula grow out of weaknesses in the colonic wall and sometimes grow to several centimeters long. 17 Although classically attributed to a low-fiber diet, the exact cause of such diverticula is unknown. Bleeding from diverticula can be stopped during endoscopy or abdominal surgery.
What percentage of ischemic colitis is in the elderly?
Ischemic Colitis. Ninety percent of all cases of ischemic colitis are in the elderly. The condition can be acute or chronic. Ischemic injury results when intestinal blood flow to the colon is inadequate (think blood clot or atherosclerosis).
How to treat angiodysplasia?
Depending on location, angiodysplasia can be treated with endoscopic obliteration. Other treatments include hormone therapy, periodic blood transfusion, and iron supplements. 12 Fortunately, in most people, angiodysplasia stops on its own.
What is anal fissure?
Anal fissures are cracks in the skin that are visualized after stretching the skin of the anus. Fortunately, anal fissures usually heal on their own. 6 Stool softening measures and application of petroleum jelly or some other cream can help with pain and discomfort. Overview and Treatment of Anal Fissures.
What does it mean when you have blood in your stool?
Sometimes, you can have blood in your stool that’s not visible. This is called occult bleeding. This can be a sign of bleeding inside your digestive tract. It can also signal a more serious condition like an inflammation disease in your intestines or cancer.
Why is my blood darker in the toilet?
The blood gets darker the longer it’s in contact with these chemicals. If your bleeding is higher up in the digestive tract , it might appear darker in the toilet. If you see bright red blood, that can mean it’s lower in your digestive tract or is moving through your body very quickly.
What is the symptom of a bleed on the toilet?
Rectal Bleeding. Rectal bleeding is a symptom of conditions like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcers and colorectal cancer. Typically, you notice rectal bleeding on toilet paper, in the water of the toilet bowl or in your stool. It’s important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience rectal bleeding ...
How do you know if you have rectal bleeding?
You might see or experience rectal bleeding in a few different ways, including: Seeing blood on your toilet paper when you wipe. Seeing blood in the bowl of the toilet when you are using the bathroom — the water in the bowl might look like it’s been dyed red.
What is the name of the condition where you develop patches of swelling in the digestive tract?
Crohn’s disease is a condition where you develop patches of swelling in the digestive tract. In colitis, the swelling is mainly in the large bowel. People with IBD might experience fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, intestinal blockages, and rectal bleeding.
What tests can help with rectal bleeding?
Tests to help diagnose the cause of rectal bleeding can include: A physical exam of the rectum and anus. A colonoscopy.
What does a polyp look like?
These can bleed, causing you to have black stool that’s sometimes tar-like in appearance. Large polyps: A polyp can look like a mushroom that’s growing out of the side of your bowel. Large polyps can bleed, causing you to experience rectal bleeding. In some cases, polyps can turn into cancer if left untreated.
Why does my stool turn black?
Other causes include NSAIDs, smoking, or drinking alcohol or eating foods that irritate the lining of the stomach. Inflammation can cause small amounts of bleeding, which can turn your stool black. Treatment depends on the cause. If the gastritis is caused by smoking, stop smoking.
Why is my stool brown?
If your stool is any color other than brown, it may be alarming. Sometimes the reason is as innocent as eating new foods. But stool colors can also be a sign of serious conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding, so it’s important to find out what’s going on. Diarrhea & Stool. 8 Causes of Diarrhea.
What does it mean when your stool is hard?
Hard, pebbly stool. Dark brown or black colored stool. Abdominal discomfort or bloating. Constipation is when you have infrequent bowel movements and stool is very hard and dry. The stool may appear darkish or black. When you try to have a bowel movement, you may strain, or your stool may look like hard pellets.
Why does my baby's stool smell black?
Black blood in the stool usually also has a bad odor. In the first day of life, newborns have black stool made up of amniotic fluid, skin cells, and other things ingested while in the womb. This is normal and changes to a tan color within a few days. 1. Peptic ulcer.
What is a black poop?
Black or bloody stool. Colon polyps are small growths in the colon. Polyps begin as benign (not cancerous) growths, but can develop into cancer over time. Usually, they do not have any symptoms, but sometimes, they can ooze small amounts of blood. A colonoscopy can find polyps before they become cancerous.
What does it feel like to have a hard bowel movement?
When you try to have a bowel movement, you may strain, or your stool may look like hard pellets. You may feel abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating. Laxatives, good nutrition, and drinking a lot of fluids can all help with constipation.
What is the cause of H pylori?
If it’s caused by H pylori, you’ll be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection. If NSAIDs are the cause, your doctor will consider lowering or changing what you are taking.
Why is my stool black?
Black stools can indicate bleeding or other injuries in your gastrointestinal tract. You may also have dark, discolored bowel movements after eating dark-colored foods. Tell your doctor any time you have bloody or black-colored stool to rule out serious medical conditions.
What causes black stools?
Sometimes, serious blood and circulation abnormalities in your digestive system can cause black, tarry stools. These can include the following: 1 bowel ischemia: a reduction of blood flow to the intestines 2 vascular malformation: misshapen veins 3 varices: large, protruding veins in the intestines
What tests can help with gastrointestinal bleeding?
Imaging tests such as MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans can help them see the blood flow to your digestive system. These diagnostic tools will reveal any blockages that could be causing gastrointestinal bleeding. Your doctor may schedule a gastroscopy or colonoscopy to assess the condition of your gut.
What are some examples of bowel disease?
Examples include: diverticulosis. ulcerative colitis.
How to get rid of black stool?
You can help lessen the occurrence of black stools by drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fiber. Water and fiber help soften stool, which can ease the passage of stool from your body. Some foods that have fiber include: raspberries. pears.
What is the purpose of a colonoscopy?
Your doctor may schedule a gastroscopy or colonoscopy to assess the condition of your gut. A colonoscopy is often performed while you’re under sedation. Your doctor will use a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to see the inside of your colon and look for the cause of your symptoms.
Causes
The presence of blood in feces as a result of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Blood in stool is not always related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by:
- Constipation
- Rectal trauma
- Long- term use of NSAIDS e.g. ibuprofen
- Presence of a foreign body
- Childbirth
Diagnosis
Symptoms
Risks
Overview
- If you're seeing black stools and can trace it back to a food you ate, that's OK. However, a doctor should be consulted immediately if black stools cannot be traced back to a food, an iron supplement, or Pepto-Bismol. The black color alone is not enough to determine that it is in fact blood that is being passed in the stool. Therefore, a doctor will need to confirm whether there ac…
Signs and symptoms
- Blood that comes from higher up in the digestive tract, such as the esophagus or stomach, may turn stool black, which is called \"melena.\" As the blood passes through the body and interacts with enzymes in the digestive process, the blood changes from red to black. This makes it a bit more difficult to see in or on the stool than if there is red b...
Clinical significance
- If the black stool is accompanied by other symptoms such as feeling faint or actually fainting, dizziness, pain, or vomiting, especially if there's blood in it or it looks like coffee grounds, contacting a doctor immediately is important because it could be a medical emergency. For some people, there may already be a known risk factor for bleeding in the digestive tract. Talk to a doc…
Appearance
- Ulcer. An ulcer is a type of sore on the lining of the stomach that can cause bleeding and result in melena. Contrary to popular belief, stomach ulcers are not usually caused by stress or spicy food (although these can aggravate an already existing ulcer). In fact, they are typically caused by an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Antibiotics are normally prescrib…
Diagnosis
- Esophageal Varices. Esophageal varices are dilated veins in the wall of the lower esophagus or upper stomach. When these veins rupture, they may cause bleeding, which can cause blood to appear in the stool or in vomit. Esophageal varices are a serious complication resulting from portal hypertension (high blood pressure) brought on by cirrhosis of the liver.
Signs and symptoms
- Mallory-Weiss Tear. This is a tear in the mucous membrane that joins the esophagus and the stomach. If this tear bleeds, it can result in melena. This condition is fairly rare (only occurring in four of 100,000 people) and may be caused by violent vomiting, coughing, or epileptic convulsions.
Definition
Symptoms
- A small amount of blood in the stool is usually not visible and therefore goes unnoticed (occult) until it is detected upon a fecal occult blood test. The color of blood in the stool may vary depending on the site of the hemorrhage and transit time. There are two medical terms that are used to describe the presence of blood in the stool.
Pathophysiology
- Melena typically indicates bleeding in the upper gut esophagus, stomach and first parts of the small intestine. The bleeding is from the walls of the gut and due to the action of air and digestive enzymes, the blood degrades to appear black in color often with a slightly foul odor. Many people may not notice this change in the stool unless there is significant blood loss in the gut.
Clinical significance
- Melena is the term used to describe black tarry feces which is a result of old and degraded blood in the stool. It usually indicates an upper gastrointestinal bleed originating within the esophagus, stomach or duodenum of the small intestine.
Causes
- As little as 50 ml of blood in the upper gut can result in melena although it usually requires 100 to 200ml before it becomes clearly evident. While it is reported that melena results in foul-smelling stool, this is sometimes difficult to differentiate from the normal odor. The smell of old blood emanating from the stool may accompany the black tarry appearance of the feces.