Have Constipation. Noticed Blood In Stool. Is This A Serious Problem?

Posted on Thu, 9 May 2013

Question: HI I am 60 yrsold and noticed for first time a small amount of red blood on toilet paer no history in family should i wait to see if there is anymore i had constipated stool previously thank you

Answered by Dr. Jasvinder Singh (3 hours later)

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

Bright red blood in stools indicates bleeding from somewhere close to the anus because closer the source of bleeding is to the anus, the brighter red the blood will be. If it is fresh blood and only streaks along with hard stools and pain in the anal region while defeacating, it could be because of constipation or anal fissures (injury to the mucosal lining by hard stools which bleeds). It is a common cause in your age. Haemorrhoids (piles) can also result in blood in stools which is bright red in color.

You should wait for a few days. If the repeat happens then you should get it evaluated from a physician or a surgeon. Till you get it checked from a surgeon, sit in a tub of warm water for 10 mins at least twice a day. Increase fiber in your diet. Eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, oats, porridge etc. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar