When bloody diarrhea occurs, most people are initially concerned because blood in the stool can be one of the leading symptoms of colon cancer. However, it can also be harmless or an accompanying symptom of chronic bowel disease.
What is bloody diarrhea?
Bright blood impurities often come from the lower intestinal area, for example, from hemorrhoids. Tarry stools are a sign that the cause may be in the stomach and intestines. When a doctor talks about bloody diarrhea, he distinguishes several variants of bloody diarrhea. There may be a black tarry stool (melena) or there may be light blood mixed with the diarrhea (hematochezia). Bloody diarrhea should always be diagnosed unless the patient already knows the cause. Bright blood admixtures often originate from the lower intestinal area, for example from hemorrhoids. Tarry stools are a sign that the cause may be in the stomach and intestines.
Causes
Bloody diarrhea can have harmless causes, but an examination is advisable in any case. The main cause in cases of light-colored blood is hemorrhoids, nodular benign enlargements over the sphincter muscle in the anus. Bleeding can also be caused by small tears in the mucosa (fissures) and is also common in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Furthermore, bloody diarrhea can occur in blood disorders, inflammation of the vessels (vasculitides) and malformation of the vessels in the intestine. Another cause could be an intestinal infection due to germ infestation. Dark bleeding, as in tarry stools, is usually caused by bleeding in the upper digestive tract, for example in the stomach. If the blood comes into contact with stomach acid, it turns black. Often the cause of bleeding from the upper digestive tract is an ulcer such as a stomach or duodenal ulcer. Bleeding can also occur with a hiatal hernia, which causes areas of the stomach to shift toward the chest, or with varicose veins of the esophagus (esophageal varices), which also result in bloody stools.
Diseases with this symptom
- Colorectal cancer
- Colon polyps
- Esophageal varices
- Vascular malformation
- Vasculitis
- Gastric polyps
- Stomach ulcer
- Hiatal hernia
- Tarry stools
- Ulcerative colitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Anthrax
- Duodenal ulcer
- Crohn’s disease
- Bacterial dysentery
Diagnosis and course of the disease
It is always useful to investigate an accumulation of blood in the stool. For the doctor, this means that he must first find out where the blood comes from, where the cause is, whether it is an injury. A first indication of the cause can be the coloration of the blood. Dark or black blood is indicative of the gastrointestinal tract, and light blood is indicative of the rectum. In the anamnesis, the physician asks the patient about his stool habits, whether bloody diarrhea occurs more often and/or gastrointestinal complaints, whether he has other previous diseases or chronic diseases, possibly weight loss has occurred. During the physical examination, the abdomen is palpated and examined with a stethoscope. Sometimes the rectum is also palpated. Stool samples are examined in the laboratory to investigate bloody diarrhea. If necessary, a gastroscopy or colonoscopy will be performed to provide further clues about the cause of the bloody diarrhea. In addition, it may be necessary to take abdominal X-rays, examine the abdominal arteries, and perform a scintigraphy. The course of the disease depends on the cause of the bloody diarrhea. Hemorrhoids can be treated well and usually have a favorable course. If the cause is colon cancer, the course depends on how early it is detected. In the worst case, the disease is fatal. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis must be treated by long-term therapy.
Complications
Bloody diarrhea most often occurs as a symptom of bowel disease. Some consequences and complications may accompany this underlying disease. However, only those complications that are directly related to the symptom of bloody diarrhea are considered and elaborated below.First of all, the two components of the symptom must be considered. One is blood loss, the other is diarrhea. Both “components” of the symptom lead to a considerable weakening of the organism. Thus, a general feeling of illness, general weakness and fatigue are to be expected as “complications” at first. Circulatory problems and dizziness can also be caused by bloody diarrhea. The diarrhea causes a more or less pronounced loss of water. The symptoms of water loss and those of blood loss intensify. Both lead to a weakening of the body. To avoid worse consequences, for example a collapse of the circulation, loss of consciousness or death, it is necessary to compensate for the water loss. Ultimately, it can be stated that blood and water are lost in significant amounts during bloody diarrhea. Both result in acute weakening of the body and can lead to death if left untreated. Signs of weakening include fatigue, concentration problems, dizziness, and circulatory problems. Once a critical state is reached, loss of consciousness may occur. Bloody diarrhea requires medical treatment.
When should you go to the doctor?
The anus is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body, so pathogenic changes become apparent very quickly. The number of potential causes is correspondingly broad, making identification difficult. Therefore, a visit to the doctor should not be put off in the case of bloody diarrhea. For safety reasons, inhibitions should be overcome as early as possible. A diagnosis can only be successful through exact observation in conjunction with proper medical care. The first point of contact can therefore be the family doctor (usually a general practitioner). This should be fully informed of the exact symptoms as well as the observations made (e.g. color and frequency of bloody diarrhea). The general practitioner will refer to a specialist such as a proctologist if necessary. In some cases, the blood in the diarrhea can almost certainly be attributed to specific causes. In this case, independent observation may be useful at first. Especially after a strong change in diet, many people experience harmless changes in bowel movements, which may also lead to diarrhea and bleeding. However, the duration of independent observation must be limited to only a few days. In case of doubt, a doctor should always be consulted.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment does not necessarily have to be given, because many minor bleedings stop on their own. However, major bleeding is always associated with blood loss and should be stopped as soon as possible. In the case of simple stomach/intestinal infections, which can also be associated with blood, it usually helps to take it easy, drink enough fluids and, if necessary, take an antibiotic. If stomach ulcers or varicose veins in the esophagus bleed, rapid surgical intervention is usually necessary. Bleeding from smaller hemorrhoids is usually treated with ointments or suppositories; for larger hemorrhoids that cause more severe bleeding, sclerotherapy or complete removal may be appropriate. If intestinal polyps or diverticula are the cause of the bleeding, they can be removed endoscopically during a colonoscopy. In the case of colon cancer, surgery may be necessary and, in addition, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chronic intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, which are also associated with bloody diarrhea, are often treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, but these are usually poorly tolerated in long-term therapy because of the side effects. Here, naturopathy with its holistic approach is a good alternative. It also includes the psyche of the patient and his dietary habits in the treatment, because intestinal diseases can be promoted by an improper diet with.
Outlook and prognosis
Bloody diarrhea does not necessarily indicate a serious illness in every case. In most cases, a harmless symptom is behind the red color. Bloody diarrhea very often occurs in people who suffer from constipation. Vessels are damaged by the very strong pressure, so that during diarrhea some more blood comes out and leads to a red color.This symptom does not need to be treated if the infection disappears on its own. As a rule, it takes several days to fight a gastrointestinal infection. Medications from the pharmacy can be taken here for support. If the infection does not disappear on its own, the doctor can help with antibiotics. In most cases, there are no further complaints or complications. In the worst case, the patient suffers from colon cancer. However, this manifests itself by a long-lasting bloody diarrhea that does not disappear on its own and is associated with severe pain.
Prevention
Since intestinal diseases have a lot to do with diet, a healthy, balanced diet is a good preventive measure against intestinal diseases and diseases of the abdomen in general. Gastrointestinal infections are often caused by spoiled food or by infection. This is where good hygiene helps. Food should be examined regularly to see if it is still okay. Antibacterial cleaners may be needed for stomach/intestinal infections if a shared restroom is used. Regular hand washing is another important way to prevent infections. Those who suffer from frequent constipation should pay attention to a high-fiber diet and exercise to effectively prevent hemorrhoids, which are promoted by heavy pressing during bowel movements.
What you can do yourself
The trigger for bloody diarrhea must always be clarified by a doctor. In some cases, however, those affected can also help to improve the symptoms or combat the causes themselves. Already existing cracks and fissures in the anal area often break open again during diarrhea. Since these injuries usually occur when the patient has to push hard during bowel movements, affected persons should pay attention to regular digestion. Most important in these cases is a healthy diet rich in fiber and adequate intake of fluids, preferably mineral water or tea. There are also a number of home remedies that boost digestion. One to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water, taken right before bed, will ensure regular bowel movements. Psyllium, wheat bran or castor oil are also helpful. Lack of exercise also regularly leads to digestive problems. Light sports such as cycling, swimming or brisk walking provide relief. In addition, it is important that the injured skin in the anal area is properly cared for and that hygiene is observed. The patient should clean the anal area with warm water after each bowel movement and then apply a special care cream if necessary. The described measures will also help if enlarged hemorrhoids are the reason for bloody stool. However, if bloody diarrhea is due to serious diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or colon cancer, it is better to refrain from experimenting with home remedies; in these cases, a visit to the doctor is essential.
