You finish using the bathroom, glance into the toilet, and notice something you did not expect.

There is blood in your stool.

Your first thought might be, “Maybe it is just piles.”

Sometimes it can be. But blood in the stool can have several causes, and some should not be ignored.

• Swollen veins around the anus can bleed, particularly during or after passing stool.
• The blood is often bright red and may appear on the toilet paper, on the surface of the stool or in the toilet bowl.
• Constipation, straining, and prolonged sitting on the toilet can make symptoms worse.
• Haemorrhoids are common, but recurrent bleeding should still be evaluated.

• An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus.
• It can occur after passing a hard or large stool.
• You may notice sharp pain or burning during and after bowel movements, along with bright-red blood.
• Treating constipation and keeping stools soft can help, but persistent symptoms need medical attention.

• Hard stools can irritate or injure the anal area and cause small amounts of bleeding.
• You may also experience straining, abdominal discomfort, or infrequent bowel movements.
• Increasing fibre, fluids and physical activity can help prevent constipation in many people.
• Frequent bleeding should not simply be attributed to constipation without medical assessment.

• Certain infections can cause inflammation and bleeding in the digestive tract.
• Blood may occur along with diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever or nausea.
• If you have significant diarrhoea with blood, especially with fever or severe abdominal pain, consult a doctor promptly.

• Conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Symptoms may include recurrent blood in the stool, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue or unexplained weight loss.
• Persistent or recurring symptoms need evaluation by a gastroenterologist.

• Blood in the stool can sometimes be associated with polyps or colorectal cancer.
• This is particularly important when bleeding is persistent or accompanied by unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits or unusual fatigue.
• Not all blood in the stool means cancer, but unexplained bleeding should not be dismissed.

• Bright-red blood often comes from the lower part of the digestive tract, including the anus or rectum.
• Dark-red or maroon stool can sometimes indicate bleeding further inside the digestive tract.
• Black, tarry stools can be a sign of bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
  The appearance alone cannot confirm the cause, so medical evaluation may be necessary.

• Blood in the stool keeps coming back.
• You have a change in your bowel habits that persists.
• You notice unexplained weight loss or ongoing fatigue.
• You have persistent abdominal or rectal pain.
• You have black, tarry stools.
• You experience significant or heavy bleeding.
• You have dizziness, weakness, fainting or other signs that could suggest substantial blood loss.
• You have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.

• Do not panic, but do not ignore it either.
• Avoid assuming that every episode of rectal bleeding is piles.
• A doctor may assess your symptoms, medical history and bowel habits before deciding whether further tests are needed.
• Depending on your age, symptoms and risk factors, investigations may include blood tests, stool tests, imaging or endoscopic evaluation.

Blood in your stool is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Finding the cause is what matters.

If you notice persistent, recurrent or unexplained blood in your stool, consult the Gastroenterology Department at Horizon Prime Hospital for timely evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Do not guess the cause. Get the bleeding checked.

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Name: Horizon Prime Hospital in Thane

Address: Vibgyor, Ghodbunder Rd, near Hiranandani Estate, behind Ritu Nissan Showroom, B Wing, Patlipada, Thane West, Thane, Maharashtra 400607

Phone: 022 6855 6855

Website: prime.horizonhospital.com