At some point in your life you will most likely ask yourself, “why is there blood in my poop”? This is actually a common question and my doctor told me that she hears it at least once everyday. Many causes of blood in your poop are benign and will most likely heal on their own without any medical intervention, but like all medical symptoms, sometimes having blood in your poop can mean that there is something more serious going on.
I Have Blood in My Poop: Possible Reason #1
Constipation is a common cause of having blood in your poop. If you have been constipated there is a good chance that once the constipation is alleviated, you will pass a rather large stool. When passing this large stool you may tear the tissue that is around the anus, resulting in a cut. These cuts will take some time to heal and until it is healed, you will notice some blood in your poop. This blood is typically bright red in color.
I Have Blood in My Poop: Possible Reason #2
Hemorrhoids are another common cause of having blood in your poop. Hemorrhoids are often caused by straining when you are trying to poop. The pressure of straining causes hemorrhoids to pop up, per say. Some people may not know that they have hemorrhoids until they notice bright when blood when they are having a bowel movement. Many hemorrhoids will heal on their own, but it is a good idea to consult a physician if you think you have them. This blood is typically bright red in color.
I Have Blood in My Poop: Possible Reason #3
A less common, but typically harmless cause for having blood in your poop is eating something that the body cannot breakdown easily. Foods such as sunflower seeds are difficult for the body to break down so when you are having a bowel movement the shells of these seeds may scratch the rectum and anus resulting in blood in your poop. This blood is typically bright red in color.
I Have Blood in My Poop: Possible Reason #4
Bowel, or colon, cancer is another possible cause of having blood in your poop. This type of cancer typically affects those over 45 years of age, but in rare cases younger people can be affected. The blood is typically black and tarry in color.
I Have Blood in My Poop: Possible Reason #5
Ulcers that are in the duodenum or stomach can cause blood in your poop. These ulcers may present other symptoms as well such as burning in the stomach, pain after eating and vomiting. The blood is typically black in color.
There are other diseases and conditions that may cause you to have blood in your poop such as Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Diverticulitis. Anyone who notices blood in their poop should consult a physician in a timely manner to rule out any serious conditions as well as to get advice and treatment. Having blood in your poop is scary, but it is best to calm down and head to the doctor for an examination so that you can treat the underlying cause and get rid of the blood in your poop.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and this article is for informational purposes only.
Source:
www.medicinenet.com
