Blood clots in the stool can have many different causes, some of which are more serious than others. Blood clots in the stool are always the result of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, but the bleeding can be from the upper GI tract (including the esophagus and stomach) or the lower GI tract (including the colon and rectum).
Possible causes range from easily treatable conditions such as hemorrhoids and fissures to more serious conditions such as ulcerative colitis and colon cancer, so it’s important to consult your health care provider right away.
This article reviews possible causes of blood clots in the stool, including how different conditions cause different types of blood clots. It also explains how your symptoms are treated and when you should see a health care provider.
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Types of blood clots in stool
A blood clot is a gel-like blood clot, also known as a blood clot. blood clot. Blood clots may help stop bleeding from cuts and injuries. However, if a blood clot is found in the stool, it is a sign of mild or severe internal bleeding.
Blood clots from gastrointestinal bleeding vary in appearance and can provide clues as to the underlying cause. The main differences are:
- black or tarry blood clot Indicates bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This is because the iron in your blood reacts with oxygen and continually darkens as it moves through your intestines.
- bright red or maroon blood clots Indicates bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. This is because blood from the lower intestine has less time to oxidize and as a result appears red.
- larger blood clots I’m simply concerned because it suggests more bleeding. (This is not to suggest that small blood clots are not a problem, especially if a large number of blood clots are present.)
- Blood clot with mucus It can indicate a more serious medical condition, such as an infection, inflammatory disease, or cancer.
What causes blood clots in stool?
There are several medical conditions that can cause blood clots in the stool. Although some of these symptoms may resolve on their own without treatment, it is important to see a doctor. gastroenterologist If the bleeding is severe or persistent.
hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids can be caused by straining during defecation or lifting heavy objects.
Hemorrhoids can occur internally (inside the rectum) or externally (around the anus) and cause pain and rectal bleeding. When you wipe, you may see spots or streaks of bright red blood on the toilet paper or excrement.
However, if a hemorrhoid becomes clotted, a blood clot can develop. Thrombotic hemorrhoids occur when hemorrhoid tissue pushes out of the anus and fills with blood clots. In severe cases, necrosis (death of tissue) may occur, resulting in open, oozing sores with dark blood clots.
anal fissure
An anal fissure is a small fissure within the anus. It is often caused by straining during defecation due to constipation. Persistent diarrhea can also cause lacerations Blood from lacerations is usually bright red and may be accompanied by bright red blood clots.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is any internal bleeding from the esophagus, stomach, or first part of the small intestine (duodenum). There are many possible causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, but some of the most common include:
gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines caused by viruses and bacteria, such as norovirus. Salmonella. In severe cases, bloody vomit, bloody diarrhea, and multiple dark red or tar-like blood clots (depending on the site of infection) may occur.
If you have certain infectious causes of gastroenteritis campylobacter and Staphylococcus rubersevere lower gastrointestinal bleeding may occur, requiring medical intervention to stop the bleeding.
diverticular disease
Diverticular disease is a medical condition that occurs when small sacs form in the colon and push outward through weak areas. diverticulosis In some cases, it can cause heavy bleeding and the formation of bright red to maroon blood clots.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two related but distinct inflammatory diseases of the colon.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and a constant urge to defecate. IBD can also cause mucous stools with small blood clots that are red to maroon in color.
peptic ulcer disease
Peptic ulcers are ulcers that form on the lining of the stomach. These typically occur as a result of: Helicobacter pylori Infection or overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Symptoms include nausea, cramps, indigestion, and gnawing pain in the stomach. Excessive bleeding may result in dark or tarry stools and blood clots.
ischemic colitis
ischemic colitis Damage to the colon caused by obstruction or blockage of blood flow. This condition is most common in older people who have a history of: atherosclerosis (Arteriosclerosis). Symptoms include abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, which may be accompanied by bright red or maroon blood clots.
colon cancer
As colon cancer progresses, it can cause dark or tarry stools. Most begin as non-cancerous polyps and may bleed as they grow.
Bleeding occurs when blood vessels form rapidly to “feed” the growing tumor. As the tumor grows in size, fragile blood vessels may rupture, resulting in bloody stools, often with mucus and bright red or dark red blood clots (depending on the location of the tumor).
When should you see a health care provider?
Symptoms of blood clots in the stool should be evaluated by a health care professional, especially if they are sudden or severe.
Most causes of gastrointestinal bleeding do not result in significant blood loss, but rapid blood loss can occur if there is a large rupture (as can occur with intestinal perforation due to severe peptic ulcer disease or diverticulosis). there is).
When a blood clot in the stool is an emergency
If you have any of the following symptoms of a blood clot in your stool, call 911 or seek emergency care.
- Sudden severe dizziness or fainting
- fast or irregular heart rate
- nausea and vomiting
- sudden severe diarrhea
- chest pain
- Pale and sticky skin
- shortness of breath
- extreme thirst
diagnosis
Diagnosis of blood clots in the stool usually includes a review of the medical history and a physical exam. Based on the results, other tests may be ordered, such as:
- flight culture: A laboratory test that tests for bacteria, viruses, and other germs in a stool sample.
- Blood test: Includes tests that can detect signs of infection, inflammation, and anemia
- colonoscopy: A minimally invasive test that examines the colon by inserting a narrow fiber optic scope into the anus.
- Abdominal computed tomography (CT): An image test that combines multiple X-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the digestive tract
Associated symptoms
Depending on the location of gastrointestinal bleeding, associated symptoms may include:
- Blood vomit: bloody vomit
- bloody stool: Bright red blood in the stool due to lower gastrointestinal bleeding
- melena: Dark, tarry stools caused by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
- sense of urgency to defecate: Feeling of having to defecate even when the intestine is empty
What can be mistaken for a blood clot in the stool?
Certain foods and drugs can make the stool appear to contain blood or blood clots, and the color of the stool may vary from bright red to jet black.
Examples include:
- activated carbon
- beets
- Bismuth (found in Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate)
- black licorice
- blood sausage
- cranberry
- iron supplementation
- Red food coloring (such as strawberry gelatin)
- tomato
Treatment of blood clots in the stool
Treatment for blood clots in the stool depends on the cause. The main goal is to treat the underlying disease, but some symptoms may require professional intervention to directly stop or treat the source of the bleeding.
Examples include:
| situation | process | expert intervention |
|---|---|---|
| hemorrhoids | High fiber diet, stool softeners.sitting bath | Rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, electrocautery |
| anal fissure | High fiber diet, stool softeners.Local anesthetics, medicines for high blood pressure | Botox injection, sphincterotomy surgery |
| gastroenteritis | Antibiotics, oral or intravenous (IV) hydration | Sclerotherapy, electrocautery for gastrointestinal bleeding |
| diverticular disease | High-fiber diet, probiotics, and antibiotics | Sclerotherapy, electrocautery, abscess drainage |
| IBS | Avoidance of IBS triggers, antidepressants, and IBS prescription drugs such as Linseth (linaclotide) | Usually not needed |
| peptic ulcer | Antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, bismuth | Sclerotherapy, electrocautery |
| ischemic colitis | Avoidance of antibiotics, IV fluids, and vasoconstrictors | Colectomy |
| colon cancer | Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy | Colectomy |
summary
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common symptom of a variety of medical conditions, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Be sure to tell your health care provider if you notice new or unexplained blood in your stool. Blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopies, and CT scans may be done to determine the cause. Treatments vary depending on the underlying problem.
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