Discovering something unusual in your stool can be alarming. One of the most common concerns is whether it's blood or simply undigested food. Understanding the difference is crucial for determining if you need medical attention.
This article will delve into the various aspects of identifying what you see in your stool, exploring the potential causes, and outlining when to seek professional help. Telling the Difference: Undigested Red Food vs. Blood Seeing what you think might be blood in your stools is scary sh*t.
After all, any pamphlet on colon cancer will list blood in bowel movements as a potential sign. When you view your poops in the toilet, the image is skewered due to the water and limited lighting at the bottom of the bowl. How Does Blood in Stool Typically Look Based on Severity Signs of Cancerous Blood in Stool: What You Should Know Diagnosing Blood in Stool: Essential Tests Quick Visual Chart: Blood Color and Possible Causes When to Seek Medical Help Immediately Conclusion: Blood in Stool Should Never Be Ignored Frequently Asked Questions.
A GI doctor explains when to worry about blood in your stool, what the different shades of red mean and less. Your stool color can provide clues as to what's happening inside your body: Bright red or maroon blood can mean that the bleeding is happening lower in your intestines like in your colon, rectum or anus. Black and tarry blood can mean that the bleeding is occurring higher up in your intestines, like in your esophagus, stomach or small intestine.
If your stool is dark and tarry, you may have black blood in your poop from internal bleeding, but it could also be discolored from something you ate or medication. Finding what looks like blood in your stool can be a result of something you ate. But in some cases, bloody stools can indicate a more serious condition.
Talk to your doctor about blood in your stool even if it only happens once in a while. The color and amount of blood in your stool can help your doctor determine its cause. A rectal exam and colonoscopy are the best ways to find out the cause of blood in stool.
Small amounts of blood in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper are often linked to conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures. However, certain foods such as beets, tomatoes, or foods with red food coloring can also cause stools to appear reddish.