Constipation and bloody stools can occur at the same time for various reasons. For most people, bloody stools can be caused by bowel problems, anal fissures, or hemorrhoids.
Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements are infrequent and uncomfortable. Constipation occurs when small amounts of hard, dry stool are passed. three times a week. You may experience pain when defecating, and you often feel unable to fully expel stool from your rectum.
People can become constipated for various reasons. Sometimes there is no obvious reason. This commonly occurs when stool passes through the digestive tract too slowly due to decreased fluid intake, changes in diet, or decreased activity.stool movement slows down To increase Water is absorbed from the stool, making it hard, dry, and difficult to pass through the rectum.
Chronic constipation has several potential causes and can lead to various complications that can cause bleeding.
This article examines whether constipation can cause bloody stools. We will discuss the associated symptoms and treatments for rectal bleeding due to constipation. We’ll also cover some frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Although this is not common and does not happen to everyone, constipation can cause bloody stools for the following reasons:
anal fissure
An anal fissure is a tear or ulcer in the tissue lining the anus. Anal fissure is general For people with constipation. It often occurs when you strain to pass hard or large stools during bowel movements.
Anal fissures tend to cause sharp rectal pain and some rectal bleeding during defecation.They are acute and can be prolonged less than 6 weeks or chronic for more than 6 weeks.
hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed blood vessels that occur on the outside under the skin around the anus and on the inside on the lining of the anus or lower rectum.Hemorrhoids are common and affect the surrounding area 1 in 20 people In the US.
People are Probability is high Hemorrhoids develop due to increased pressure in the lower rectum. Increased lower rectal pressure can occur due to:
- Straining during defecation
- pass hard stools
- have chronic constipation
Because hemorrhoids have a rich vascular supply, they often bleed, and bright red blood can coat your stool, drip into the toilet, or stick to toilet paper. Hemorrhoids are very common Reasons for rectal bleeding.
Postage
Fecal impaction occurs when stool becomes hard and dry and becomes lodged in the colon. When the colon is compressed, waste products are blocked from leaving the body and instead return to the inside of the large intestine. increased Gastrointestinal tightness and discomfort.
Most people with fecal impaction have chronic constipation. Rectal bleeding is a common symptom of fecal impaction.
Other conditions
Some other symptoms are related to constipation, which can result in blood during bowel movements. These include:
- Rectal prolapse: This occurs when the lowest part of the large intestine slides out of the anus, creating a lump.People with rectal prolapse may experience You become constipated and blood drains from your rectum.
- Colon cancer: This cancer usually begins as clumps of noncancerous cells called polyps in the colon. Over time, some polyps can become cancerous.colon cancer may cause Persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, bloody stools.
- Diverticular disease: Diverticular disease occurs when diverticula, which are small sacs, develop and push outward through weak areas in the colon wall, causing inflammation in some people.Blood vessels in the wall of the bag can become Over time, they become brittle and can rupture and bleed.Diverticular disease is also a possibility. lead to constipation.
- Abdominal cancer: abdominal tumor can be narrowed The intestines and rectum are damaged, making it difficult to defecate and causing constipation. These tumors also cause Blood in the stool.
- Rectal cancer: This begins in the rectum; may cause Intestinal changes such as constipation or blood in the stool.
- Chronic inflammatory conditions: This may include inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, among others.
Symptoms vary depending on the cause of constipation and rectal bleeding. In addition to the symptoms listed above, you may also experience the following symptoms:
If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should contact a medical professional as soon as possible to rule out serious symptoms.
If anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or other conditions are causing constipation or bleeding, your doctor will treat the specific cause of your symptoms. Overall, the goals of treatment are:
- improve bowel movements
- hemostasis
- Reduce associated symptoms
Your doctor may recommend the following methods for constipation:
- eat 28-34 grams Consume dietary fiber daily to keep stools soft and promote fissure healing.
- Drink enough fluids to prevent constipation.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements, as pressure can cause new tears or open healing tears.
- Taking fiber supplements such as methylcellulose (Citrucel) and psyllium (Metamucil).
- Try a stool softener such as Docusate (Colace).
- Use of stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl (Dalcolax).
- Trying prescription medications such as lubiprostone (Amitiza), linaclotide (Linzess), or prucalopride (Motegrity).
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Trying out intestinal training.For example, make bowel movements a goal. 15-45 minutes Eating after breakfast will help your stool move more easily.
Below are frequently asked questions and answers regarding this topic.
How do doctors evaluate blood in the stool?
The doctor will first perform the following tests: Medical history. They will likely ask questions such as how much blood is visible and when symptoms started. A physical exam, including a rectal exam, may be required.
If necessary, further tests may be done, such as blood tests, an upper endoscopy, or a colonoscopy.
Click here for more information on diagnosing blood in your stool.
Is bright red blood in your stool serious?
A small amount of red blood from the anus that occurs once or twice is usually not a sign of a serious illness and may be due to constipation. Her one-time bleeding often resolves without treatment.
However, if the bleeding continues for more than a few days or if you have multiple large bowel movements, you should consult your doctor. Some causes of rectal bleeding are serious and require urgent treatment.
When should I be concerned about bloody stools?
You should seek emergency help if you have the following symptoms of shock with rectal bleeding:
If you have continuous or heavy rectal bleeding, or rectal bleeding that is accompanied by severe abdominal pain or cramping, you should go to the emergency room immediately.
Constipation and bloody stools can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from mild to severe. Most people experience bleeding, which can be caused by bowel problems, anal fissures, or hemorrhoids, and may improve with home treatments.
Some causes of constipation and rectal bleeding are serious and may require prescription treatment or even surgery. Serious causes of constipation and bleeding may include diseases such as colon and rectal cancer.
Your doctor should check for rectal bleeding that lasts more than a few days. If you have symptoms of shock with rectal bleeding, you should seek immediate medical attention. If the bleeding is heavy and continuous and you have severe abdominal symptoms, you should go to the emergency room.