Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made up of various components. First of all, risk factors such as medication, previous illnesses or operations are clarified in a discussion with the doctor. During the examination, the anal region is looked at and a digital-rectal examination is also carried out.
For this purpose, the doctor inserts a finger into the rectum and can assess the appearance of the stool and possibly find a source of bleeding. A laboratory examination is also carried out. A gastroscopy or colonoscopy is then performed to locate the exact source of bleeding. Which of the two methods is used depends on the appearance of the stool.
Treatment of blood in stool with abdominal pain
The therapy is largely dependent on the underlying disease. If it is an acute bleeding that requires immediate treatment, there are some general measures that can be taken, regardless of the cause of the bleeding. First of all, acute bleeding should be treated in a hospital, as adequate monitoring can be ensured there.
First of all, the patient’s vital parameters are stabilized and depending on the blood loss, a blood transfusion can be performed to further stabilize the circulation. Afterwards the bleeding should be localized and stopped by means of a gastroscopy or colonoscopy (endoscopy). Once the acute bleeding has been brought under control, the specific therapy of the underlying disease follows.
Duration and prognosis of blood in stool with abdominal pain
The prognosis also depends on the underlying disease and varies greatly. Furthermore, the prognosis is also influenced by the strength of the bleeding or previous illnesses. Blood in the stool in combination with abdominal pain should always be taken seriously, as it is usually caused by an illness requiring treatment.
