Blood In The Feces - What To Do If You Find Feces With Blood? Causes Of Occurrence

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

What to do if you find feces with blood?

Blood in the stool is a symptom of a large number of fairly serious diseases. Sometimes this is the only sign of trouble, but more often the appearance of bloody inclusions is accompanied by other manifestations that are not typical for the body in normal conditions. By comparing all the symptoms, the doctor will be able to determine the root cause of the alarming symptom.

Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract is the most common cause of blood in the stool. The length of the digestive tract is about 10 m, its mucous membrane is saturated with bacteria that can modify the form of blood we are used to. For these reasons, it rarely enters the feces unchanged. Fresh blood in them can be found only when the source of bleeding is near the anus. Most often, the localization of bleeding is the rectum or lower sections of the large intestine. When bleeding from the upper digestive tract, the color of the blood in the stool changes, it becomes dark brown or black (melena).

With hemorrhoids, a malignant tumor of the lower intestines, a crack in the anus, traces of blood appear not only in the feces, but also on toilet paper, on underwear. If bloody inclusions look like dark red clots or streaks, this is a symptom of chronic bowel disease: ulcerative colitis, dysbiosis, Crohn's disease. If, with diarrhea with bloody inclusions, the patient has significant hyperthermia, a stomach ache, there is an intestinal infection (dysentery, salmonellosis).

Occult blood in the stool, a sign of serious gastrointestinal diseases, cannot be seen. If you suspect occult blood, a special analysis is prescribed. Eating beets, blueberries, currants, tomatoes can give rise to a false alarm. The products of their processing are similar to the inclusion of blood in feces.

When blood appears in the feces, products that change the color of feces should be excluded from the diet for 2-3 days. If the alarming symptom persists, you should see a doctor immediately. Pharmaceutical preparations such as activated carbon and iron preparations can radically change the color of the stool.

Bright red, non-clotted blood	The patient discovers blood not only in the feces, but also on underwear, on toilet paper after a bowel movement, the reason is bleeding due to a fissure of the anus, rectal tumor, internal hemorrhoids
Diarrhea with bloody inclusions, hyperthermia	Intestinal infections - dysentery, salmonellosis
Dark red blood clots or streaks	Inflammation of the upper intestines - ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, dysbiosis
Occult blood test is positive	Colon polyps or cancer, complications of helminthic invasion, malignant tumors of the stomach, esophagus, rectum

Content:

• If blood is visible in the stool - the reasons
• Causes of occult blood in feces
• Diagnosis of occult blood in feces
• Reasons for the presence of blood in the stool in a child
• Blood in the feces in men
• Blood during bowel movements in women
• What if you find blood in your stool?

If blood is visible in the stool - the reasons

Cracked anus. Bright scarlet blood, not mixed with feces, is a symptom of a fissure in the anus. It is formed in chronic constipation when the patient exerts excessive muscle effort during bowel movements. After the feces have left the rectal ampulla, slight discomfort is felt in the anal fissure area. With this pathology, blood in the feces is observed for several days, its volume is quite small.

It is possible to make a diagnosis by visual examination by a surgeon or proctologist, as well as by digital examination of the anal area. Correction - restoring regular bowel movements through diet and laxatives. Additionally, Anusol or candles with sea buckthorn oil are used for 5-7 days.

Hemorrhoids. Dark blood in the stool, regularly appearing on its surface, pain and itching in the rectum, accompanied by a feeling of fullness - symptoms indicating hemorrhoids (varicose veins of the rectum). There are a lot of reasons for the appearance of hemorrhoids, they are all associated with overstrain of intra-abdominal pressure, stretching. Damage to the vascular walls causes bleeding.

With external hemorrhoids, varicose nodes are visible during visual examination, with internal hemorrhoids, they are found during rectal sigmoidoscopy. Hemorrhoid treatment includes conservative therapy and surgery. Drug therapy is used in the early stages of the disease. These are venotonics in the form of tablets (Troxerutin, Detralex, Ginkor Forte, Venoruton, Venolan), drops and pills (Eskuzan), ointments and gels (Troxevasin, Antistax, Venitan), venosclerosing agents (Hepatrombin G in the form of suppositories, Ethoxysclerol). Additionally, NSAIDs, anticoagulants and laxatives are used.

An operation to remove hemorrhoids is performed in advanced cases, at a late stage of the disease, or in emergency cases - with profuse bleeding from the venous hemorrhoid.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis. This disease is the result of inflammation of the immune nature. With ulcerative colitis, destructive processes are observed in the mucosa and submucosa of the rectum and colon. Blood in the feces is not the only evidence of the disease, against the background of intestinal inflammation, pus and mucus appear in the feces, abdominal pain, diarrhea, hyperthermia, symptoms of intoxication of the body. Complications of pathology - peritonitis, intestinal perforation with bleeding, intestinal obstruction.

The diagnosis is made after EGD and examination of intestinal tissue for histology. Treatment of ulcerative colitis - therapy with glucocorticosteroids, cytostatics and sulfalazine. Emergency surgery is indicated for complicated colitis.

Crohn's disease. The disease is inherited or occurs as a result of inflammation of the immune nature. It develops in all parts of the digestive system as a complication of measles, food allergies, smoking or stress. Most often occurs in the colon and small intestine.

The symptoms of Crohn's disease are frequent diarrhea, pus, mucus and blood in the stool, pain in the abdomen and joints, skin rash, fever, mouth ulcers, and decreased visual acuity. Diagnostics - FGDS and histological examination of tissues. Treatment of the disease - therapy with Ciprofloxacin, Metasalazine, Metronidazole.

Intestinal infections. Blood in the feces can appear when pathogens of acute intestinal infections, caused by:

• Viruses (enterovirus, rotavirus);
• Bacteria (staphylococcus, salmonella, klebsiella, paratyphoid and dysentery bacilli, campylobacter);
• Parasites (amebiasis, schistosomiasis).

The consequence of these infections is the defeat of the small intestine (enteritis) and the large intestine (colitis).

Symptoms of infection are loose stools containing pus, mucus and blood in the stool, fever. With viral Omsk, Crimean and Central Asian hemorrhagic fevers, small vessels are affected. This leads to the appearance of a hemorrhagic rash on the skin and to intestinal bleeding. With the defeat of the large intestine with cytomegalovirus, diarrhea with blood, fever and pain in the projection of the intestine are noted.

Diagnosis of infections - bacteriological culture of feces, microscopic and serological examination of blood for the detection of antigens to pathogens. Treatment of bacterial infections in the acute stage - therapy with Cephalosporin, Furazolidone, Enterofuril, Ciprofloxacin, probiotics. Treatment of viral intestinal infections - Arbidol, interferons (Viferon, Kipferon). Anthelmintic therapy - Tinidazole, Metronidazole, Praziquantel (for schistosomiasis).

Tumors of different parts of the intestine. Symptoms of oncological lesions are intestinal obstruction, blood in the stool with the destruction of the intestinal wall or vessels, perforation with fecal peritonitis. Diagnostics - total X-ray examination of the abdominal cavity (symptom of gas bubbles, "Kloyber's cup"). Treatment - resection of part of the intestine, coagulation of the affected vessels or their suturing.

Dysbacteriosis. An alternative name is excessive bacterial colonization of the intestine. Dysbacteriosis provokes the use of antibiotics. Blood in the feces with this pathology appears when the intestinal mucosa is affected by clostridia. Treatment - Metronidazole, Bactrim, Vancomycin.

STIs. This abbreviation stands for sexually transmitted infections - rectal gonorrhea, anorectal syphilis, herpes, venereal granuloma. Symptoms - blood in the stool, or on its surface due to a violation of the integrity of the intestinal mucosa.

If infections are complicated by atherosclerotic damage to the arteries, ischemic colitis (oxygen deprivation of one of the sections of the large intestine) develops. The symptoms of ischemic colitis are acute pain in the intestinal area, bleeding due to erosion of the intestinal wall. First aid, or express diagnostics, is taking Nitroglycerin. With ischemia, it relieves pain perfectly.

Causes of occult blood in feces

The blood in the stool from the upper GI tract usually has a slightly different appearance. The reason for this is the breakdown of hemoglobin, its transformation into iron sulfate. As a result of this biochemical reaction, the blood becomes black, this stool is called "melena".

• Bleeding from varicose veins of the esophagus. It is part of the portal hypertension syndrome that occurs with liver cirrhosis. Additional symptoms are tar-colored stools, chest pains after eating, vomiting mixed with blood, hypotension, heart palpitations, cold sweat, bitter taste in the mouth, spider veins on the abdomen. The first emergency aid for the rupture of varicose veins of the esophagus is the introduction of a balloon probe that squeezes the veins into it to stop bleeding.
• Mallory-Weiss syndrome. Symptoms of the syndrome are a deep bleeding defect in the mucous membrane of the esophagus or the cardiac part of the stomach, reaching the submucosa. It most often occurs during repeated vomiting in patients with a perforated stomach ulcer or those suffering from alcoholism. The main symptoms are tar-black blood in the stool and severe pain. Treatment is bed rest, aminocaproic acid, and Cerucal intramuscularly.
• Bleeding from a stomach or duodenal ulcer. Symptoms - tar-black blood in the stool, acquiring a liquid consistency, nausea and vomiting with blood ("coffee grounds"), fainting, chills. Treatment - resection of the stomach or duodenum, possibly suturing the ulcer.
• Perforation of a duodenal ulcer. Complication - symmetrical ulcers on the opposite side of the intestine. Symptoms are acute pain of a dagger character on the right, loss of consciousness, cold sweat, chills, weakness, tachycardia. Emergency care - urgent laparotomy with resection of the duodenum.
• Stomach cancer. Symptoms are aversion to food, especially to meat, fast satiety, anemia, weakness, sudden weight loss, bleeding as a result of tissue breakdown.
• Bowel cancer. Symptoms are alternation of diarrhea and constipation, rumbling in the intestines, false urge to empty, bowel movements that do not bring relief. There is a ribbon-like feces mixed with blood in the later stages of the disease, intestinal obstruction.
• Tumors of the esophagus. Symptoms are similar, tissue breakdown causes bleeding and melena.
• Intestinal tuberculosis
• Stomatitis, periodontal disease
• Nose bleed

Blood in the feces can appear as a result of poisoning with rat poison or poisonous plants (sweet clover, euonymus). Perhaps bleeding is the result of a reduced blood clotting function of a hereditary nature or side effects of drugs: NSAIDs (Aspirin, Diclofenac, Heparin, Xarepta). The appearance of blood during bowel movements while taking medication is a reason for discontinuing the drug and consulting a doctor.

Diagnosis of occult blood in feces

With minimal blood loss during tooth extraction, wounds and ulcers in the mouth, minor bleeding in the digestive system, blood in the stool may not be visible visually. To make sure in her presence, a laboratory test called "Gregersen reaction" is carried out.

For maximum reliability of the analysis, the patient should not eat meat, fish, brush his teeth, or use iron supplements 3 days before the analysis. The feces collected after preparation are treated with a solution of reagents in acetic acid, the color change of the preparation is analyzed. If it turns blue or green, the occult blood test is considered positive.

Reasons for the presence of blood in the stool in a child

In childhood, almost all of the pathologies of the digestive system described above are diagnosed, so blood in the feces in children can appear for the same reasons as in adults. However, in pediatric practice, there are specific reasons inherent only in childhood.

Dysbacteriosis. Diet disorders in infants, inappropriate antibiotic treatment, and weak immune defenses can lead to the following symptoms: bloating, mucus and blood in the stool, diarrhea, diathesis, decreased appetite. The reason for this is enterocolitis caused by staphylococcus or Klebsiella.

Differential diagnosis of helminthiasis and acute intestinal infections with similar symptoms is carried out. Treatment of infants - bacteriophages by the type of pathogen, children over a year old - Enterofuril. After the control analysis, a course of probiotics is carried out (Linex, Bifilux, Bifiform, Normoflorin, Bifikol).

In addition, children are offered an additional volume of liquid and a prophylactic dose of vitamin D. The consistency of the stool is regulated by diet, the use of Lactulose, Normase, Duphalac, suppositories with sea buckthorn oil.

Intestinal obstruction. The most dangerous prerequisites for blood in the feces in children under two years of age are intestinal obstruction or intussusception of the intestine. The reason for these conditions is a congenital anomaly in the development of the intestinal tube, overfeeding of the child, feeding too early, changing the usual milk formula. Intussusception is the overlap of the intestinal lumen by another part of it The consequence of this is intestinal obstruction.

It all starts with anxiety and a strong cry of the baby after feeding, gushing vomiting. Then there is frequent loose stools and blood in the stool. This condition is rapidly aggravated, within a few hours, the child begins to defecate with red mucus. Delay in medical attention leads to shock or collapse, which is fatal.

Diagnostics - plain x-ray or ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. In children under one year old, surgery can be avoided by giving a barium enema. In children over one year old, the condition is treated with laparotomy.

Food allergy. Types of food allergies:

• For the protein of cow's milk,
• Citrus fruits
• Gluten free
• For food additives, food colors, flavors.

Allergy symptoms - diarrhea, frothy stools, blood in the stool in the form of streaks, bloody blotches, tearfulness, restless behavior, insufficient weight gain. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your pediatrician.

An ambulance is required if children are diagnosed with the following symptoms:

• Hyperthermia,
• Vomiting, regurgitation in the form of a fountain,
• Frequent loose stools
• Excessive agitation or inhibition of behavior.

With such manifestations, treatment is required in a children's infectious hospital.

Blood in the feces in men

The specific reason for the appearance of blood in the feces in men, associated with gender differences, is the late stages of prostate cancer. In an advanced stage, a prostate tumor grows through the wall of the large intestine and is injured during defecation.

Blood during bowel movements in women

The specific reasons for the appearance of blood in the feces in women are associated with the physiology of the female body:

• Varicose veins of the perineum against the background of the last trimester of pregnancy;
• Intestinal endometriosis;
• Side effects of radiation therapy for reproductive organs cancer.

At the end of pregnancy, the growing uterus exerts a mechanical effect on the organs of the small pelvis and peritoneum. The lower parts of the intestine, the genitals are more intensively supplied with blood than usual, its coagulability slightly decreases within the physiological norm for the development of pregnancy. Therefore, during bowel movements, accompanied by constipation, blood in the stool is occasionally possible. If it increases, medical attention should be sought to differentiate from vaginal bleeding. Prevention of the appearance of blood during bowel movements - the introduction of foods with plant fiber into the diet, the use of soft toilet paper.

With endometriosis in a woman, cells spread in various organs that function similarly to the cells of the mucous endometrium of the uterus. They are brought in with the flow of lymph or blood. During menstruation, lesions of endometriosis bleed. If a woman is diagnosed with intestinal endometriosis, then the cells will produce blood with mucus. Most often, its amount is minimal, pathology is detected only when testing for occult blood, and only during menstruation.

Possible complications - with significant foci, intestinal obstruction, stenosis are possible. Treatment is hormone therapy.

Radiation colitis can be a complication of radiation therapy. Its symptoms are an alternation of diarrhea and constipation, the appearance of mucus and blood in the stool. Treatment is symptomatic, with the passage of time, the regeneration of the mucous membrane occurs.

What if you find blood in your stool?

When such a symptom appears, first of all, you need to seek advice from a proctologist, and do this as soon as possible. The doctor will find out the details of the pathology, study the anamnesis and prescribe diagnostic measures.

If blood is found in the feces - basic laboratory and instrumental diagnostics:

• Analysis of feces for eggs, worms, occult blood, coprogram;
• Visual examination by a proctologist of the condition of the anus;
• Rectal examination of the lower rectum (condition of tissues, sphincters, mucous membranes);
• Sigmoidoscopy is an instrumental examination of the large intestine, its tissues and peristalsis at a distance of up to 40 cm.

When clarifying the diagnosis, additional diagnostics are carried out:

• X-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Large intestine ultrasound;
• Colonoscopy.

For examination of the upper parts of the digestive system, a consultation with a gastroenterologist is required. The doctor will analyze the patient's complaints, palpate the abdomen in the projection of the stomach and small intestine.

Possible research:

• Ultrasound of the stomach and small intestine;
• FGDS, or gastroscopy (auxiliary examination method).

In most cases, if blood appears in the stool, several studies are sufficient to clarify the diagnosis. It should be remembered that an early visit to a specialist and a timely diagnostic study will help preserve health and life, and reduce the period of health recovery after treatment.

The author of the article: Volkov Dmitry Sergeevich | c. m. n. surgeon, phlebologist

Education: Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry (1996). In 2003 he received a diploma from the Educational and Scientific Medical Center of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.