When you poop blood, it means there is bleeding somewhere in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, rectum, and anus. The blood may be visible on the stool, toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl, or it may be hidden and only detected by special tests
. Common causes of blood in stool include:
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the anus or rectum that can bleed, often caused by straining during bowel movements or constipation
- Anal fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus that cause bleeding and pain
- Gastrointestinal infections: Such as gastroenteritis causing inflammation and bleeding
- Inflammatory bowel diseases: Including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause chronic inflammation and bleeding
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of small pouches in the colon that can bleed
- Peptic ulcers: Sores in the stomach or upper intestine lining that bleed, sometimes causing black or tarry stools
- Polyps or cancer: Growths in the colon or rectum that may bleed, including colorectal cancer
Color of the blood can indicate the bleeding location:
- Bright red blood: Usually indicates bleeding from the lower GI tract (colon, rectum, or anus), such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures
- Dark red or black, tarry stools: Suggest bleeding from higher up in the GI tract (stomach, esophagus, or small intestine), where blood has been digested
Symptoms that may accompany bleeding:
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Fatigue or weakness (from blood loss)
- Dizziness or fainting (in severe cases)
- Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds (if bleeding is from upper GI tract)
When to seek medical help: Blood in stool should never be ignored because it can be a sign of serious conditions. Bright red blood in large amounts, black tarry stools, or symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or severe abdominal pain require urgent medical attention
. In summary, pooping blood means there is bleeding in your digestive system, which can range from minor causes like hemorrhoids to serious conditions like ulcers or cancer. A healthcare provider can diagnose the cause through exams and tests and recommend appropriate treatment
