When Should I be Concerned About Blood in My Stool?

The presence of blood in your stool can be an indication of an underlying medical condition. While not all cases of blood in the stool are necessarily serious, it is a cause for concern. It’s important to pay attention to this symptom and seek medical advice when necessary. While blood in the stool might just be an indication that you need hemorrhoid treatment,there could be a more serious underlying issue as this is a symptom of a number of conditions.

 

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis, as they can consider the specific symptoms with your medical history. This will allow the doctor to perform the necessary tests to determine the underlying cause.

 

Take Note of Changes in Bowel Movements

 

If you notice a significant amount of blood, or observe blood in your stool over multiple occasions, it is likely time to get the opinion of a trusted healthcare professional. Large amounts of blood may even require immediate medical attention. This could indicate a potentially severe condition that requires prompt evaluation and treatment. If you notice any significant changes in your stool, it’s also important to consult a doctor. Black or tarry stools indicate the presence of digested blood, and stools that appear maroon or burgundy are also cause for concern. These changes in stool color can suggest bleeding in the upper digestive tract.

 

It is also important to pay attention to any other changes that occur during your bowl movements. If you’re experiencing any additional symptoms along with blood in your stool, such as abdominal pain, persistent constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, unexplained fever, or weight loss, it is recommended to seek medical attention right away. These accompanying symptoms may provide further clues as to the underlying cause.

 

Recurring Symptoms & Family History

 

If you observe blood in your stool on multiple occasions, especially if it happens consistently over a period of time, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. Chronic or recurring blood in the stool may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs further investigation. The recurrence of blood is likely an indication that there is an ongoing condition happening, rather than just a temporary issue.

 

If there is a personal or family history of gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, or polyps, you should be particularly cautious. This could put you at a higher risk for being affected by these conditions. Some of these hereditary issues can be indications of the presence of cancer or other serious conditions. In these cases, any occurrence of blood in the stool should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

 

It’s important to get these symptoms checked out right away, as the sooner your condition is properly identified, the sooner you’ll be on the correct path to treatment. For more information about the conditions surrounding blood in your stool, reach out to the experts at Gastroenterology of the Rockies.