It also explains how the conditions are treated and when it is time to see a healthcare provider.
Blood clots can be beneficial as they stop bleeding from a cut or injury.
Blood clots from GI bleeding can vary in appearance, providing clues as to the underlying cause.
Jeniffer Fontan/ Getty Images
Among the key differences:
What Causes Blood Clots in Stool?
There are several medical conditions that can cause blood clots in your stool.
When wiping, spots or streaks of bright red blood may be seen on toilet paper or passing stools.
Anal Fissures
Anal fissuresare small tears inside the anus.
They are often sparked by straining during bowel movements with constipation.
Persistent diarrhea can also cause fissures.
The blood from anal fissures is typically bright red and may be accompanied by bright red clots.
IBD can also cause mucusy stools with small red to maroon clots.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcersare open sores in the lining of the stomach.
They are commonly the result of anH.
pyloriinfectionor the overuse ofnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).
Symptoms include nausea, cramping, indigestion, and gnawing stomach pain.
Bleeding can be profuse and cause dark or tarry stools and blood clots.
Ischemic Colitis
Ischemic colitisis an injury of the colon brought on by impaired or obstructed blood flow.
The condition is most commonly seen in older adults with a history ofatherosclerosis(hardening of the arteries).
Symptoms include abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, which may be accompanied by bright red or maroon clots.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancercan cause dark or tarry stools when the disease is advanced.
Most start as noncancerous polyps that can also bleed as they get larger.
The bleeding comes up whenever blood vessels quickly form to “feed” the growing tumor.
Always tell your healthcare provider if you are experiencing new or unexplained blood in your stool.
Treatments vary depending on the underlying issue.
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