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What Causes Blood In Stool?
Question: I injured my lower back in September. I have a herniated disc. I have since been in physical therapy. I slipped and fell on some ice onto my back a couple weeks ago, so it was sore, but no new injury, just some bruising. I went to the bathroom tonight, and my stool had a lot of bright red blood in it. When I wiped, it was pretty much just blood. I am currently on vacation, so I am curious if this is something I need to worry about right away or just wait until I get home on Saturday to see my PCP.
Brief Answer:
If blood in stool is a single episode then you can wait till you get home
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. A single episode of bleeding in stools can wait till you get back home after a week. The possibilities are many and requires a clinical examination and probably referral to a surgeon. The history of fall is unlikely to cause it.
2. The commonest cause of blood in stools is hemorrhoids or anal fissures which happen due to constipation. Meanwhile please have foods which are soft in consistency and avoid processed foods to avoid constipation, if that is one of the reasons for your blood in stools.
3. Please watch for your next stools and if the bleeding persists then you have to consult the ER urgently to control any further blood loss and confirm the diagnosis.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
If blood in stool is a single episode then you can wait till you get home
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. A single episode of bleeding in stools can wait till you get back home after a week. The possibilities are many and requires a clinical examination and probably referral to a surgeon. The history of fall is unlikely to cause it.
2. The commonest cause of blood in stools is hemorrhoids or anal fissures which happen due to constipation. Meanwhile please have foods which are soft in consistency and avoid processed foods to avoid constipation, if that is one of the reasons for your blood in stools.
3. Please watch for your next stools and if the bleeding persists then you have to consult the ER urgently to control any further blood loss and confirm the diagnosis.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
This is the second time this has happened in a week .
Brief Answer:
Please consult a doctor now if you have any of the following
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
You need to consult a doctor now if you have any of the following symptoms
(i) Heavy bleeding in stools or bleeding that is persistent on more than a single occasion.
(ii) Pain in the rectum and anus region
(iii) Cramping abdominal pain of sudden onset
(iv) Feeling tired and weakness
(v) Difficulty in breathing or doing your usual daily activities at home
(vi) Persistent nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
(vii) Less than normal urine output
(viii) Dizziness and mental confusion of sudden onset
2. If you do not have any of the above symptoms then you can wait until you get home.
3. Please continue taking diet precautions.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Please consult a doctor now if you have any of the following
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
You need to consult a doctor now if you have any of the following symptoms
(i) Heavy bleeding in stools or bleeding that is persistent on more than a single occasion.
(ii) Pain in the rectum and anus region
(iii) Cramping abdominal pain of sudden onset
(iv) Feeling tired and weakness
(v) Difficulty in breathing or doing your usual daily activities at home
(vi) Persistent nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
(vii) Less than normal urine output
(viii) Dizziness and mental confusion of sudden onset
2. If you do not have any of the above symptoms then you can wait until you get home.
3. Please continue taking diet precautions.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Is it only if there is pain in the rectimwhen I go to the bathroom or in general?
Brief Answer:
You should seek immediate attention if the pain in rectum is intolerable
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. You should seek immediate attention if there is intolerable pain in the rectum or anal region when you go to bathroom. If the pain is mild and tolerable then you can wait.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
You should seek immediate attention if the pain in rectum is intolerable
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. You should seek immediate attention if there is intolerable pain in the rectum or anal region when you go to bathroom. If the pain is mild and tolerable then you can wait.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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