Even if it’s just a small amount, finding blood in your stool can be an unnerving experience. Though chances are it’s nothing serious, getting a doctor’s diagnosis is very important. But between now and your appointment, we’ll provide some information about bloody stools, including some of the causes and available treatments, so you can go to the consultation prepared.
If you find blood in your stool, be sure to pay attention to the color of the blood itself. Knowing whether the blood is a light red or a darker color will help your doctor determine where in your body the blood originated. A dark red or tar-colored bloody stool often indicates a condition in the upper digestive tract. While bright red blood in stools can also denote upper digestive tract problems, it’s more likely that this blood has come from somewhere in the lower part of the digestive tract.
Whether you notice bright red blood in stools, on tissue after wiping, or simply floating in the toilet after a bowel movement, you’ll need to find out where the gastrointestinal bleeding is coming from. The most common causes of bright red blood in stools include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and diverticulitis. But in order to be properly diagnosed, it’s important to first schedule a consultation with your doctor. With cutting-edge treatments like the CRH O’Regan banding system for hemorrhoids, it’s easier than ever to treat conditions that cause bright red blood in stools.
While anal fissures and diverticulitis could be what’s causing the appearance of blood, most of the time a little bright red blood indicates hemorrhoids. A hemorrhoid is a part of the anal tissue that has become swollen. Categorized as either internal or external, hemorrhoids are formed when the blood vessels in the anus are strained and become engorged. Mild internal hemorrhoids may not cause any discomfort while larger hemorrhoids can easily become itchy and uncomfortable. Both are common reasons you might find bright red blood after a movement.
For more information about hemorrhoids or to find out why you’re finding bright red blood in your stools or on the toilet paper, call a doctor near you. If you are diagnosed with hemorrhoids, be sure to ask your physician about the quick and painless hemorrhoid treatment from CRH O’Regan.