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What Does it Mean If You Have Bloody Stools?

Bloody stools can be indicative of a disorder of your digestive tract or an injury. Blood can appear in your stools as a result of a problem anywhere in your digestive tract. Frequent bloody stools can be the sign of a serious condition.

  1. Color

    • The color of the blood can help determine the location of the problem. For example, a dark stool indicates blood from your upper digestive tract, such as your stomach, esophagus or small intestine. Bright red or maroon blood means the blood could be from your lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as your rectum, anus or large bowel.

    Upper GI

    • Causes of blood from your upper GI tract can include an ulcer in your stomach or duodenum, gastritis, trauma, injury to your esophagus, a foreign object or overgrown and widened blood vessels, according to Medline Plus.

    Lower GI

    • The causes of bright red or maroon blood may include colon polyps, hemorrhoids, anal fissures (tears), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), diverticulosis, trauma, a foreign object, a small bowel tumor, intestinal infection or colon cancer.

    Diagnosis

    • The condition can be diagnosed through tests, such as barium studies, endoscopy, colonoscopy, stool culture, angiograph and X-rays of your abdomen and small bowel.

    Considerations

    • The Mayo Clinic indicates that bleeding from your rectum is most commonly caused by hemorrhoids or constipation. You should see your doctor to determine the cause. If you are experiencing heavy or continuous bleeding, severe cramping or abdominal pain or anal pain you should seek immediate medical care.

    Prevention

    • A diet that is high in fiber and low in fat will reduce your risk of many GI conditions. It is recommended that after the age of 50, you should have a fecal occult blood test annually and a colonoscopy every 10 years.

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