What are some diseases that might give you bloody stools?
Bloody stools can be a sign of a variety of underlying medical conditions, some of which can be serious. Here are some diseases that might cause bloody stools:
- Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can cause bleeding, especially during bowel movements.
- Anal fissures: Anal fissures are small tears in the skin around the anus. They can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two types of IBD that can cause bloody stools.
- Diverticular disease: Diverticular disease is a condition in which small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become infected or inflamed, which can cause bleeding.
- Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. It can cause bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain.
- Ischemic colitis: Ischemic colitis occurs when the colon is deprived of blood flow. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a blood clot or narrowing of the arteries. Ischemic colitis can cause abdominal pain, bloody stools, and nausea.
- Infectious colitis: Infectious colitis is caused by an infection of the colon. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Infectious colitis can cause bloody stools, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- Pseudomembranous colitis: Pseudomembranous colitis is a condition that develops after antibiotic treatment. It is caused by an overgrowth of a bacterium called Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Pseudomembranous colitis can cause bloody stools, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
If you experience bloody stools, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and may perform a physical exam and order tests, such as a colonoscopy, to diagnose the underlying condition.