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BRIGHT RED BLOOD IN STOOL
Have you every heard of people with ‘blue blood’ or ‘bad blood’? These terms don’t, of course, relate to actual blood. All blood is red! But, there are different shades of red …
Bright red blood in stool is as a result of rectal bleeding. The rectum is the last 15cm of the colon or long intestine, and leads to the anus. So rectal bleeding is a term which refers to bleeding from that area. However, blood in the rectum may have begun its journey further up in the colon which is what is referred to more correctly as the gastrointestinal tract. The color of the blood will give us an indication as to where the bleeding itself began.
Where does Bright Red Blood In Stool Come From?
The most common color of blood seen from the anus region is bright red. Bright red blood in the stool indicates a blood that has had a short rather than long journey. And therefore it is more likely to be from the rectum rather than the intestine. This is good news really as it is highly likely that it is symptomatic of the very common condition known as hemorrhoids (or ‘piles’). In addition, bright red blood in stool indicates strain during bowel motions so this pattern, together with the color of the blood, is useful in forming a diagnosis.
Bright red blood in stool in small amounts isn’t dangerous, but a physician should always be consulted to check out symptoms and advise on treatment. If the bright red blood in stool is heavy during a single bowel movement or over several bowel movements, this requires more urgent consultation with your physician. At any time, a large amount of blood loss results in an increased risk of a drop in blood pressure. And such a drop in turn increases the risk that the body may go into shock.
Physical reasons for bright red blood in stool
Torn anal fissures may also cause bright red blood in stool, but hemorrhoids will often also be accompanied by discomfort and/or itching.
The reality is we all have hemorrhoids (veins in the anus) but from time to time pressure causes these veins to bleed. This pressure could be due to lifestyle, diet and, in women, pregnancy. The sheer reality of gravity means that only you and I are at risk of suffering from discomfort due to hemorrhoids – other species that are not upright in stature simply don’t have gravity putting pressure on veins in the lower part of their bodies.
The amount of bright red blood in stool as a result of hemorrhoids is small. It won’t cause anemia or low blood pressure. But, first step is to talk to your physician about your symptoms and treatment. Bright red blood in stool is something that needs treatment – do not neglect your health.
Bright Red Blood in Stool by Martha D
