Conditions that cause bleeding in thedigestive systemcan lead to blood leaving the body in stool.
There are many reasons that blood could be in the stool.
The color or volume of the blood is not enough information to know what might be causing it.
Mariia Skovpen / Getty Images
Sometimes blood in the toilet bowl water can look like it’s much more than it really is.
Hematochezia
Hematochezia looks like fresh blood, which is bright red.
How the blood appears may be dependent on what is causing it.
It passes through more of the digestive system, losing the oxygen that makes blood appear brighter.
This blood also causes the stool to take on a tarry appearance.
Other signs and symptoms that may occur along with melena can include:
What Causes Them?
Bleeding in the digestive system is a symptom rather than a condition itself.
This is why it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider when blood is present in the stool.
Hematochezia is because of a source of bleeding in the lower digestive tract.
Some of the conditions that can cause hematochezia include:
Several different types of conditions could lead to melena.
It’s not possible to diagnose a condition with the presence of melena and other symptoms alone.
Conditions that can cause melena include:
How Are They Diagnosed?
Various tests might be used to find the source of bleeding in the digestive system.
Then, one or more tests might be used to find the source and treat it.
Blood from a source of bleeding in the lower digestive system may be visible in or on the stool.
However, it might not be clear what is causing the bleeding.
For that reason, some tests might be used to find the source.
A healthcare provider will ask about any other symptoms.
Some of the tests that might be used include:
How Are They Treated?
It will be important to understand the reason for the bleeding and find out where it is coming from.
That way, the right treatment can stop the bleeding and prevent complications.
Treating hematochezia will depend on the cause of the bleeding.
It is a symptom of a condition that needs to be diagnosed.
Knowing the difference between hematochezia and melena can help in understanding the general area of the bleeding.
Once the cause of the bleeding is found, a treatment plan can be put into place.
2021;36:47-56. doi:10.1007/s00384-020-03739-z
Merck Manual.Varices.
2017;23:3011-3016. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i17.3011
Merck Manual.Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).
Merck Manual.Peptic ulcer disease.
2019;25:2720-2733. doi:10.3748/wjg.v25.i22.2720
American Cancer Society.Treating colorectal cancer.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for diverticular disease.
