Did you know? What diseases can bloody stool indicate?

Did you know? What diseases can bloody stool indicate?
      Finding Blood mixed with Stool, whether it's bright red or dark/black, is a dangerous sign that the body is warning of an abnormality in the digestive system. You absolutely should not ignore this symptom, as it could be a sign of a non-severe condition like hemorrhoids, or a life-threatening disease like colorectal cancer. Observing the characteristics of the blood will help you assess the risk and consult a doctor correctly.

Blood Characteristics Indicate the Location of the Problem
      Observing the "color" of the blood is highly important in identifying which part of the digestive system the problem is occurring in :

• Bright Red Blood : Bright red blood usually indicates bleeding near the anus or the lower large intestine. The most common causes are Hemorrhoids, where blood often drips after defecation, or Anal Fissure, which is usually accompanied by severe burning pain during bowel movements.
• Dark/Reddish-Brown Blood : Dark or reddish-brown blood usually indicates bleeding in the upper large intestine or that the blood has been mixed with the stool for some time. Suspected diseases include Diverticulosis (pouches in the colon) or Polyps in the intestines, which can be pre-cancerous cells.
• Black/Tarry Stool (Melena) : This characteristic is a severe warning sign because it means the blood has been digested, indicating significant bleeding from the upper digestive tract, such as a Stomach Ulcer or a Duodenal Ulcer (in the upper small intestine).

Critical Diseases to Be Especially Cautious Of
      Bloody stool can be a sign of a serious disease that requires urgent treatment :

• Colorectal Cancer : Blood is often mixed with the stool or accompanied by mucus, and is frequently combined with other symptoms like smaller stool size, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) : Such as Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, often involves chronic bloody stool mixed with pus or mucus, along with abdominal pain and diarrhea.

When Should You See a Doctor?
      Although the most common cause is hemorrhoids, to rule out the risk of other serious diseases, you should immediately consult a doctor if you have these symptoms:

• Blood in stool continuously for more than 1 week.
• Severe abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss.
• Stool size is getting smaller, or alternating constipation and diarrhea.
• A family history of colorectal cancer.

      Bloody stool is a clear warning sign that something is wrong in the digestive system. The most important thing is to see a doctor for a detailed diagnosis, which may include a Colonoscopy to identify the true cause and receive appropriate treatment promptly. Do not let this symptom be overlooked, as knowing early and treating early can save you from serious diseases.


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