What are some causes of bloody stool?

Bloody stool, also known as hematochezia, can have a variety of causes, ranging from minor and self-resolving conditions to more serious medical issues. Some common causes of bloody stool include:

1. Hemorrhoids: These are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum or anus. They can cause painless bleeding, especially during bowel movements.

2. Anal fissures: These are small tears in the skin around the anus, often caused by passing hard or large stools. They can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements.

3. Ulcerative colitis: This is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon and rectum. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stool.

4. Crohn's disease: Another chronic IBD, Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, including the colon and rectum. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody stool.

5. Diverticular disease: This is a condition in which small pouches form in the colon. They can sometimes become inflamed or infected, leading to bleeding and pain.

6. Ischemic colitis: This is a condition in which the colon does not receive enough blood, often due to a blockage in the blood vessels. It can cause abdominal pain, bloody stool, and diarrhea.

7. Infectious colitis: Infections of the colon, such as those caused by bacteria (e.g., Shigella, Salmonella, E. coli) or viruses (e.g., norovirus), can cause inflammation, diarrhea, and bloody stool.

8. Colorectal cancer: This type of cancer affects the colon or rectum. In its early stages, it may not cause any symptoms, but as it progresses, it can lead to bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain.

9. Angiodysplasia: This is a condition in which abnormal blood vessels develop in the colon or rectum. They can sometimes rupture and bleed, leading to bloody stool.

10. Other conditions: In rare cases, bloody stool can also be caused by certain medications, such as aspirin or anticoagulants, as well as by other medical conditions such as inherited bleeding disorders or vascular malformations.

It's important to note that bloody stool should not be ignored, regardless of the perceived severity of the symptoms. If you experience bloody stool, it's important to see a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis. The doctor may perform tests such as a stool analysis, colonoscopy, or other imaging studies to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.