What causes blood in feces?
Blood in feces, also known as hematochezia, is a common symptom indicating lower gastrointestinal bleeding, which can have several causes:1. Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen and enlarged blood vessels in the anus or rectum, which can cause painless rectal bleeding, especially during bowel movements.
2. Anal Fissures: Tears or cracks in the lining of the anus can cause pain, bleeding, and sometimes visible blood in feces.
3. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can lead to inflammation and ulcers in the colon, causing blood in the stool, often accompanied by abdominal pain and diarrhea.
4. Colorectal Cancer: Blood in the feces can be an early sign of colorectal cancer, especially if it's persistent and accompanied by other symptoms like changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, or fatigue.
5. Diverticular Disease: Small pouches (diverticula) can form in the colon or rectum, and if these become inflamed or infected (diverticulitis), they can lead to bleeding.
6. Infectious Colitis: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can inflame the colon, leading to bloody stools, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.
7. Angiodysplasia: This refers to abnormal blood vessels in the colon that can cause bleeding, especially in the elderly.
8. Ischemic Colitis: Reduced blood flow to the colon due to problems with blood vessels can cause tissue damage and bleeding.
9. Peptic Ulcers: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can sometimes lead to upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which may present as black, tarry, or "coffee-ground"-like stools.
10. Other Conditions: In rare cases, blood in feces can be associated with conditions like a Meckel's diverticulum (an abnormal outpouching in the small intestine), colonic polyps, or certain medications (e.g., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Hematochezia should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional, as it can indicate serious underlying conditions. The doctor will perform a thorough examination, ask about your symptoms and medical history, and may recommend diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy or stool sample analysis to determine the cause of the bleeding.