Blood in the stools: what causes it?

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Extract from the article: One morning, you notice blood in your stools. Even though it is often trivialised, rectal bleeding always requires medical attention to rule out any risk of serious illness. What causes this symptom? What should you do if you suffer from it?

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One morning, you notice blood in your stools. Even though it is often trivialised, rectal bleeding always requires medical attention to rule out any risk of serious illness. What causes this symptom?  What should you do if you suffer from it?

The condition of stools is an excellent indicator of general health. So it's important to know what colour your stools should be, and to observe them regularly. The colour of stools can vary from dark brown to light brown, depending on the state of transit, eating habits and the use of certain medications. However, if you notice other colours at the bottom of the bowl, such as red or black, it is likely to be caused by bleeding.

What illness is involved?

Bedwetting can have a wide variety of causes. According to Dr Jean Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner, « you can have haemorrhoids; haemorrhoidal disease is a benign condition that affects the network of blood vessels (called haemorrhoids) in the anus and rectum. They are the cause of the majority of cases of rectal discharge. Intestinal transit disorders, such as chronic constipation and acute diarrhoea, can also cause anal fissures and small rectal bleeds ».

Blood in the stools can occur as a result of a complication linked to medical care or treatment. « Medical treatment and care can also lead to rectal discharge, such as taking certain medications, using irritating ointments or suppositories, repeated rectal temperature readings, pelvic radiotherapy, digestive surgery or colonoscopy », explains Dr Jean Claude Bakpatina.

There may also be an inflammatory disease or tumour of the colon, anus or rectum.The GP explains that « certain chronic digestive diseases, such as haemorrhagic rectocolitis or Crohn's disease, are accompanied by frequent, sometimes bloody diarrhoea. Not all tumours are cancers, but they can all cause bleeding ». That's why it's so important to see a doctor as soon as you notice blood in your stools.

Elom AKAKPO