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What Causes Blood In Stools?
Question: I am 56 yo male in perfect health and just had a bowel movement and found blood on the toilet paper. No other symptoms like pain or itching. No history of colon cancer in family. Just checked again and there's some blood. Looked here on webmd and I believe it's hemorrhoids. Any ideas?
Brief Answer:
hemorrhoids most common cause
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Bright red blood on wiping is most commonly due to hemorrhoids though there are other causes.
Hemorrhoids can also present with discomfort and swelling in the anus.
The fact that you have no family history of colon cancer is good and if you've been screened for colonic cancer by colonoscopy within the last 10 yrs or barium enema in the last 5 yrs, then cancer is ruled out.
If you have not been screened within those time periods then , though hemorrhoids are most likely, screening is necessary to rule out more serious causes.
Normally when a person gives a history of rectal blood, physical assessment of the abdomen and a rectal examination is necessary.
This examination is to look for hemorrhoids , anal fissure (tear that can also cause blood ), masses in the anus.
In addition, a careful history to determine if there any significant symptoms such as change in appetite, abdominal pain, change in stool habits, vomiting, weight loss.
If you've had recent screening then it would not need to be repeated, if the time interval has passed your doctor may opt to have you reassessed.
IF it is hemorrhoids these are treated mainly with : (1)high fiber diet to prevent constipation
(2)stool softeners in the acute stage when painful to reduce straining
(3)sitz baths also in the acute painful stage- 2 to 3 sitz baths for 10 to 15 minutes each
(4)using enough fluids
(5)pain medication
Summary: (1)hemorrhoids are the most common cause but if no recent screening other causes need to be ruled out
I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
hemorrhoids most common cause
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Bright red blood on wiping is most commonly due to hemorrhoids though there are other causes.
Hemorrhoids can also present with discomfort and swelling in the anus.
The fact that you have no family history of colon cancer is good and if you've been screened for colonic cancer by colonoscopy within the last 10 yrs or barium enema in the last 5 yrs, then cancer is ruled out.
If you have not been screened within those time periods then , though hemorrhoids are most likely, screening is necessary to rule out more serious causes.
Normally when a person gives a history of rectal blood, physical assessment of the abdomen and a rectal examination is necessary.
This examination is to look for hemorrhoids , anal fissure (tear that can also cause blood ), masses in the anus.
In addition, a careful history to determine if there any significant symptoms such as change in appetite, abdominal pain, change in stool habits, vomiting, weight loss.
If you've had recent screening then it would not need to be repeated, if the time interval has passed your doctor may opt to have you reassessed.
IF it is hemorrhoids these are treated mainly with : (1)high fiber diet to prevent constipation
(2)stool softeners in the acute stage when painful to reduce straining
(3)sitz baths also in the acute painful stage- 2 to 3 sitz baths for 10 to 15 minutes each
(4)using enough fluids
(5)pain medication
Summary: (1)hemorrhoids are the most common cause but if no recent screening other causes need to be ruled out
I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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