In this guide
6 min readSymptom Guide
Blood in stool should not be ignored. It may be due to piles or fissure, but it can also indicate colitis, polyps, ulcers, inflammation or cancer risk.
Key Takeaways
- Piles or anal fissure
- Colitis or inflammatory bowel disease
- Colon polyps
- Ulcers or vascular lesions
- Colon or rectal cancer risk
Possible causes
The color, amount and pattern of bleeding help guide evaluation, but diagnosis requires medical assessment.
- Piles or anal fissure
- Colitis or inflammatory bowel disease
- Colon polyps
- Ulcers or vascular lesions
- Colon or rectal cancer risk
Warning signs
Some symptoms need urgent medical care, especially if bleeding is heavy or associated with weakness.
- Black stools or vomiting blood
- Dizziness, fainting or severe weakness
- Unexplained anemia or weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain or fever
Tests that may be advised
Depending on age and symptoms, the doctor may advise blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy, colonoscopy or imaging.
When colonoscopy may be needed
Colonoscopy may be advised for recurrent rectal bleeding, anemia, suspected colitis, polyps, altered bowel habits or screening needs.