Is Bright Red Blood In My Stool Worse Than Darker Blood

The longer the blood is in your digestive tract, the darker it will typically look. This is because there are digestive chemicals in your body that naturally break down everything that moves through your digestive tract. The blood gets darker the longer its in contact with these chemicals. If your bleeding is higher up in the digestive tract, it might appear darker in the toilet. If you see bright red blood, that can mean its lower in your digestive tract or is moving through your body very quickly. While there are many benign causes of bright red bleeding, there are fewer benign causes of darker blood for this reason, dark blood may be more concerning, and warrants workup by your healthcare provider.

When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider

See your healthcare provider soon if your lower right back pain is severe, constant or getting worse. You should see a provider quicker if you have lower right back pain plus:

• Urine that is bloody or cloudy, if it smells bad or if peeing is painful.
• You find blood or pus in your poop.
• Pain during or after sex.

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What Will A Doctor Do About The Blood In My Stool

Rectal bleeding is commonly evaluated and treated by gastroenterologists. The first priority upon receiving a patient with rectal bleeding is always to correct any low blood volume or anemia, with fluids or a blood transfusion. They will then determine the site and cause of the bleeding, stop the bleeding, and prevent bleeding in the future if possible.

The doctor may order repeated blood tests to monitor changes, and will often initiate a colonoscopy or an endoscopy, depending on where they suspect the bleeding is happening .

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What Are The Symptoms Of Rectal Bleeding

The symptoms of rectal bleeding can vary depending on what is causing the bleeding. Most causes of rectal bleeding are treatable and not serious. In some cases, rectal bleeding can be a symptom of a serious disease, such as colorectal cancer. Because it can be hard to know the cause of your rectal bleeding at home, its usually a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have rectal bleeding.

Some symptoms you might have with rectal bleeding can include:

• Feeling rectal pain and/or pressure.
• Seeing bright red blood in or on your stool, underwear, toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
• Having stool thats red, maroon or black in color.
• Having stool that has a tar-like appearance.
• Experiencing mental confusion.
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.

In some very severe cases, rectal bleeding can lead to shock. If you experience any symptoms of shock, call 911 right away and get help. The symptoms of shock can include:

• Experiencing a sudden drop in your blood pressure.
• Having a fast heart rate.
• Not being able to urinate.
• Slipping into unconsciousness.

Feeling Nauseous Or Vomiting

At some point in your life, you will feel nauseous which can be accompanied by vomiting . The reasons we feel nauseous and/or vomit are many, including motion sickness, overeating, gastrointestinal infection, or a bowel obstruction . If you or a loved one frequently feels nauseous with or without vomiting, its important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.

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Symptoms Of Diverticular Disease

One in four people who develop diverticula will experience symptoms.

Symptoms of diverticular disease include intermittent pain in your lower abdomen below the umbilicus and feeling bloated.

The pain may be in the midline, but may be to one side, depending on the severity of the symptoms/ complications. If it moves to one side of your lower abdomen this will usually be in the lower left-hand side but not always.

Other long-term symptoms of diverticular disease include:

• a change in your normal bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea, or episodes of constipation that are followed by diarrhoea

Diverticular disease does not cause weight loss, so if you are losing weight, seeing blood in your stools or experiencing frequent bowel changes, see your GP.

Clinical Manifestations And Complications Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The major symptoms of UC are diarrhea, gross blood in stool, tenesmus, and crampy abdominal pain. The clinical manifestations of CD are influenced by the location of disease, which include the following: in ileocolitis: site of inflammation in the terminal ileum, pain and diarrhea, a palpable mass, fever, and leukocytosis, postprandial pain, bowel spasm in jejunoileitis: site of inflammation in the jejunum, malabsorption, and steatorrhea and diarrhea and in colitis: site of inflammation in the colon, fevers, malaise, diarrhea, and crampy abdominal pain.

Moreover, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and weight loss are other symptoms and signs of IBD. Complications of IBD include intestinal obstruction and perforation, massive hemorrhage, malabsorption, fistulas, abscesses severe perianal disease, and megacolon and rupture of the intestine. Complications occur more commonly in CD however, megacolon usually happens in UC. On average, 30% of IBD patients experience one of the manifestations of extraintestinal disease that includes dermatitis, rheumatological disorders, ocular complications, hepatobiliary complications, osteopenia and osteoporosis, and increased risk of thrombosis.7,8

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Mucus And Blood In Stool With Abdominal Pain: 6 Causes Explained

Our content is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for medical advice by your doctor. Use for informational purposes only.

Common causes of abdominal pain, with blood and mucus in the stool are:

• Dysentery: the most common cause of acute abdominal pain with blood and mucus in stool.
• Inflammatory bowel disease .
• Diverticulitis.
• Intussusception.

Mri And Ct Tomographic Angiography

Magnetic resonance imaging and CT scan can both be used in a manner similar to X-rays in visceral angiography, a diagnostic procedure that has been discussed previously. The use of MRI and CT angiography for diagnosis in gastrointestinal bleeding is a relatively recent development, and their value has not been clearly defined. They could be considered experimental.

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Blood And Mucus In Stools Alongside Severe Lower Abdominal Pain

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Why The Color Of The Blood Matters

The color of the blood and the texture of the bloody stool may be influenced by many factors, especially what youve eaten. Beets can produce stool that turns the toilet water red or purple, while green, leafy vegetables rich in chlorophyl may produce darker stools.

If the bloody stool was caused by diseases such as cancer, the color may indicate where the bleeding is coming from in the digestive tract and may help doctors find its source.

For instance:

• Bright red blood in stool often means the blood is fresh and the bleeding is lower in the colon or rectum. This condition is called hematochezia.
• Dark red blood may mean the bleeding is higher in the colon or in the small intestine.
• Dark, tar-like stool may mean the bleeding is in the stomach or the gastroesophageal junctionwhere the stomach meets the esophagus. This condition is called melena.

Polyps, which are small growths in the lining of the colon, may also grow and begin to bleed. Polyps may be benign at first, but they may develop into cancer. Thats why its important to talk to your doctor about when to get a colonoscopy, which is considered the gold standard for detecting colorectal cancer early. Polyps found during the procedure may be removed during the colonoscopy.

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Whenyour Back Pain Could Be A More Serious Medical Problem

There are a few ways to tellthe difference between spinal stenosis and something more serious:

• Pain that gets worse when going uphill is more common with peripheral arterial disease, a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels leading to the your limbs.
• Arterial disease patients dont get relief from the grocery cart position.
• If your symptoms are worse at night but better with exercise, neuropathy may be to blame.
• In younger people, morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes and gets worse with stillness may be a sign of inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis.
• Other unexplained symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue may be signs of a cancerous growth very rare, but absolutely worth looking into.

Serious issues such asmalignancies or abdominal aortic aneurysms rarely present with spine symptoms,Dr. Khalaf says, but sometimes they do. Theyre serious enough that rulingthem out is important.

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Other back pain causes include lumbago and cauda equina syndrome. Your physician will ask about your symptoms, examine your back, and conduct an examination. The diagnosis will be based on the severity of your pain, but your symptoms should subside within two months. If the pain persists, you should consult a doctor to make sure it isnt something more serious. The best treatment for back pain is to rest and avoid physical activity.

If your back pain persists after a few weeks, you should consider a more serious diagnosis. There are many different types of back pain. Some people have a spinal disorder, which is more severe than others. Its important to get proper diagnosis and treatment for back pain. You should also make a lifestyle change that promotes your health and keeps you from experiencing pain. You can also see a physical therapist if you have a specific type of injury or if your back problems are recurring.

In addition to exercising, you should do light physical activities. Gentle exercise can help alleviate back pain. Yoga and pilates are both excellent exercises. The best exercises for backache are those that increase muscle tone and flexibility. You can also try over-the-counter pain relievers or heat to reduce the pain. If youre experiencing severe pain, your doctor may recommend a stronger medication to ease your symptoms. If the pain persists, you should consult with a medical professional and make an appointment with a physician.

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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor About Rectal Bleeding During An Appointment

If youre experiencing rectal bleeding, calling your healthcare provider and going in for an appointment is often a good idea. Your provider will figure out whats causing the bleeding and develop a plan to stop the bleeding.

Its important to ask any questions you might have during this appointment. Dont be embarrassed to talk about your bowel movements or details about your poop. This information might seem disgusting, but it will help your provider know whats happening and find the best way to help you feel better.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/13/2020.

References

Unexplained Weight Loss Loss Of Appetite And Feeling Weak

Losing weight, losing your appetite or feeling weak are all possible signs of colon or rectal cancer along with many other unrelated conditions. In patients with colon or rectal cancer, these symptoms are usually related. Persistent diarrhea can cause weight loss. Stomach pain and nausea can reduce your appetite so that you dont consume enough food to maintain your weight. All these issues, as well as anemia, can lead to weakness.

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Third Trimester Care And Changes

Exercise: There are several exercise programs for expecting and post delivery mothers. Your doctor can suggest some, but youll need to know your own limitations. This is not the time to start an exercise program if you have never exercised before. Try walking.

Diet: A balanced diet is still key. Frequent, smaller meals will make you feel more comfortable. After your baby drops, you will experience less stomach discomfort. Before labor begins, many mothers actually lose weight or stop gaining.

Sexual relations: If you have a normal pregnancy you can have sex, but you may have to look for a more comfortable position. Its normal to lose temporary interest in sex. If you have risk factors for premature labor, have any bleeding or are carrying multiples, sex may be restricted. Check with your doctor.

Regular activities: Continue with your activities of daily living, as long you do not tire. Take rest periods throughout the day. Get off your feet, raise your legs, listen to relaxing music or take a nap. Slowly decrease the amount of bending, lifting, stooping and pushing you do as your pregnancy advances. Avoid carrying heavy laundry baskets and groceries, especially in your last trimester. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, especially in warmer weather. By taking care of yourself you are taking good care of your baby.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Ulcerative Colitis

The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and diarrhea that may contain blood, pus, or both.

The disease and these symptoms typically come on gradually.

As the disease progresses, other symptoms may include:

• Rectal pain, bleeding, or both
• Loss of appetite
• Growth failure in children

If you have ulcerative proctitis which affects only the rectum your only symptom may be rectal bleeding. This form of the disease tends to be the least severe.

Proctosigmoiditis which affects the rectum and lower part of the colon tends to cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and difficulty defecating despite a strong urge to do so.

Left-sided colitis which affects the rectum and colon up to an area called the descending colon often causes bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain of the left side, and unintended weight loss.

If you have pancolitis which affects the entire colon youre likely to experience severe episodes of bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and major weight loss.

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Abdominal Pain And Bloating

Stomach bloating, distention, cramps or pain in the abdominal or bowel region can be symptoms of colon or rectal cancer. These are common issues that can also be caused by a number of conditions, including diet-related gastrointestinal distress, Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis. See your doctor if you experience frequent abdominal pain and bloating that does not have an obvious cause.

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Treating Diverticular Disease And Diverticulitis

A high-fibre diet can often ease symptoms of diverticular disease, and paracetamol can be used to relieve pain.

Other painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen are not recommended for regular use for the pain associated with diverticular disease, as they can cause stomach upsets, or promote bleeding from the large bowel when this condition is present.

Speak to your GP if paracetamol alone is not working.

Mild diverticulitis can usually be treated at home with paracetamol, clear fluids and antibiotics prescribed by your GP. More serious cases may need hospital treatment to prevent and treat complications.

Surgery to remove the affected section of the intestine is sometimes recommended if there have been serious complications, although this is rare.

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Diagnosing A Bowel Obstruction

Your doctor will examine you and ask you questions. They will then arrange some tests and investigations. These might include blood and urine tests.

You may also have an abdominal x-ray. Or you might have a barium enema to find out exactly where the obstruction is in your bowel.

• Read about having a barium enema

Rectal Bleeding And Cancer

Blood in the stool often is a sign of bleeding in some area of the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the . And while bleeding may occur for a number of reasons, including the conditions listed above, its important to either rule out cancer or catch it when signs appear.

Cancer develops when mutated or damaged cells grow out of control. In many cases, the damage has affected the systems in the cells that regulate their growth and division. Cancers in the digestive system often develop in the soft lining of the esophagus, stomach, bowels or rectum and typically cause inflammation and bleeding.

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A Sharp Pain In The Lower Left Abdomen Is The Most Common Symptom Of Diverticulitis

Written by Longjam Dineshwori | Updated : June 9, 2020 6:40 PM IST

Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that occurs due to the infection or inflammation of diverticula in the colon. Diverticula are small, pouch-like structures that can form in the digestive tract. The pouches can appear anywhere in your intestines and are generally harmless. When in this condition, they’re called diverticulosis. But it is when they become infected or inflamed that you develop diverticulitis. It is estimated that about 5 percent of people with diverticulosis develop diverticulitis. If it isn’t treated early, diverticulosis can be serious complications, which may require surgery. In severe cases, diverticulitis can lead to perforation of the bowel, abscesses, peritonitis, blockage of the intestine, kidney infection, etc. In case of severe bleeding, blood transfusion may be needed.

When To Call The Doctor

Pro Tip

Important questions to ask your doctor: What caused this? Do I need any treatment for this? Dr. Kumar

Because bloody diarrhea is not normal, you should call your doctor if you see more than a few streaks of blood in your stool. Always seek medical care if you also feel lightheaded, cant eat or drink, or have severe abdominal pain.

As bloody diarrhea can be caused by parasites or bacteria, be sure to let your doctor know about any recent trips. They will want to rule out parasites or bacteria that may be common in the places where you traveled.

In addition, the more information you share about your diet, recent medications, and lifestyle, the better your doctor can assess your symptoms. In some cases, medications could be causing your stool to appear bloody.

You should also call the doctor if you have more than one episode of bloody diarrhea, or the diarrhea is accompanied by:

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