2. Blood in Stool or Rectal Bleeding: A Red Alert for Your Digestive Health
Discovering blood after a bowel movement can be a jarring experience for anyone. The sight of blood – whether it’s a bright red hue on the toilet paper or a dark, tarry consistency within the stool – is alarming. The presence of blood often signifies some form of disruption or injury in the digestive tract.
The source of this bleeding can vary. Hemorrhoids, which are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus, can bleed during bowel movements.
Anal fissures, which are small tears in the anal lining, can also result in visible blood. Both of these conditions, though uncomfortable, are generally benign. However, the differential here is the persistent nature of the bleeding.
Blood in stool resulting from colorectal cancer typically arises from a tumor. As the tumor grows, it can bleed into the colon or rectum, mixing with stool.
Over time, as the tumor continues to bleed, it can lead to anemia, further complicating health. This makes it imperative not just to watch out for blood but to also consider other signs like fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath. (2)
