Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Blood In Stool While Having Low Ferritin And Hemoglobin Level?

Hi, I quite often get a lot of fresh blood in my stool, with no other symptoms of piles, and today I saw my stool (which is normally between type 1 and type 2 on the BSC) covered in white fuzzy stuff. I had a very elevated ALT blood results a month ago but it is coming down and my liver looked fine on an USS before Christmas. I also have lowish ferritin and HB. Thank you Julia
Thu, 2 Apr 2015
Report Abuse
Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Blood in stools is expected to cause anemia and low hemoglobin levels.
Blood loss over long period of time often leads to anemia.
It is thus important to know the cause of blood loss in body.
Common causes of blood in stools are- ulcer, polyp, vascular anomalies, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, growth, etc.
A colonoscopic examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is required to look for any of the above mentioned lesions in the GIT.
In addition, complete hemogram along with peripheral blood smear examination is required to know the level of anemia and type of anemia.
Low ferritin level is suggestive of iron deficiency anemia.
Iron supplements are required to correct the iron deficiency anemia.
However, treatment of underlying cause will prevent further iron loss and thus anemia.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Blood In Stool While Having Low Ferritin And Hemoglobin Level?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Blood in stools is expected to cause anemia and low hemoglobin levels. Blood loss over long period of time often leads to anemia. It is thus important to know the cause of blood loss in body. Common causes of blood in stools are- ulcer, polyp, vascular anomalies, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, growth, etc. A colonoscopic examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is required to look for any of the above mentioned lesions in the GIT. In addition, complete hemogram along with peripheral blood smear examination is required to know the level of anemia and type of anemia. Low ferritin level is suggestive of iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplements are required to correct the iron deficiency anemia. However, treatment of underlying cause will prevent further iron loss and thus anemia. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri