[26M] Noticing bright red blood in stool

Patient Description

A 26-year-old male reports noticing bright red blood coating the stool, in the toilet water, and on toilet paper approximately 30 minutes prior to the encounter. This is the first occurrence in recent years, with no other episodes noted today. The patient denies any changes in bowel habits, consistency of stool, or other related symptoms such as tiredness, anal pain or itching, lumps around the rectal area, unintentional weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or trauma to the anal area. There is no family history of colorectal or gastrointestinal cancers, nor any personal history of gastrointestinal diseases. The patient reports a little pain while wiping but no pain during defecation and no other symptoms are present.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the most likely causes of your symptoms could be:

  • Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins in your lower rectum. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless, but tend to cause bright red blood in the stool, or on toilet paper.

    • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter creams, ointments, suppositories or pads. In severe cases, a more extensive procedure may be required.
  • Anal fissures: These are small tears in the thin, moist tissue that lines the anus. They can occur when passing large or hard stools. They typically cause pain and bleeding with bowel movements.

    • Treatment typically involves topical creams to relax the muscle around the anus (sphincter). In some cases, surgery may be needed.
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding: This is bleeding that occurs in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine or rectum. The blood can appear bright red or dark and tarry.

    • Treatment depends on the cause of the bleeding, but may include medications, endoscopy, or surgery.

Please note that these are not the only possible causes of your symptoms, and other more serious conditions such as colorectal cancer can also cause similar symptoms. Therefore, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Avoid straining during bowel movements. This can prevent further irritation and bleeding.
  2. Keep the anal area clean. Bathe (or shower) daily to cleanse the skin around your anus gently with warm water. Soap isn't necessary and may aggravate the problem.
  3. Apply cold compresses or ice packs to the anal area to help reduce swelling and pain.
  4. Over-the-counter creams or ointments made for hemorrhoid symptoms can be applied to the anal area.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • You have severe pain during bowel movements.
  • You notice a large amount of blood in your stool or the bleeding doesn't stop.
  • You have black, tarry stools.
  • You have other symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting, or vomiting.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common causes of bright red blood in stool?

Common causes of bright red blood in stool include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and gastrointestinal bleeding. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.


How can hemorrhoids be treated at home?

Hemorrhoids can often be treated at home with over-the-counter creams, ointments, or pads. Other measures include avoiding straining during bowel movements, keeping the anal area clean, and applying cold compresses to reduce swelling.


When should I see a doctor for rectal bleeding?

You should see a doctor for rectal bleeding if you experience severe pain during bowel movements, a large amount of blood, bleeding that doesn't stop, black tarry stools, or other symptoms like severe abdominal pain or dizziness.


What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?

Symptoms of an anal fissure include pain during bowel movements, bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper, and sometimes a visible tear in the skin around the anus.

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