If bloody diarrhea occurs, most people are initially concerned that blood in the stool can be one of the leading symptoms of colon cancer. But it can also be harmless or a side effect of chronic intestinal diseases.
What is bloody diarrhea?
When a doctor speaks of bloody diarrhea, he distinguishes several types of bloody diarrhea. A black tarry stool (melena) may occur or light blood may be mixed in with the diarrhea (hematochezia). Bloody diarrhea should always be diagnosed, unless the patient already knows the cause.
Light-colored blood often comes from the lower intestinal area, for example from hemorrhoids. Tarry stools are a sign that the cause could be in the stomach and intestines.
causes
Bloody diarrhea can have harmless causes, but an examination is always useful. The main cause of pale blood additions are hemorrhoids, nodular benign enlargements over the sphincter muscle in the anus. Bleeding can also be caused by small cracks in the mucous membrane (fissures) and is also common in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
In addition, bloody diarrhea can occur with blood diseases, inflammation of the vessels (vasculitis) and deformities of the vessels in the intestine. Another cause could be an intestinal infection due to germ infestation. Dark bleeding, such as in tarry stools, is mostly caused by bleeding in the upper digestive tract, for example in the stomach. If the blood comes into contact with stomach acid, it turns black.
Often the cause of upper digestive tract bleeding is an ulcer, such as a stomach or duodenal ulcer. Also with diaphragmatic hernia (hiatal hernia), which causes areas of the stomach to shift towards the chest, or with varicose veins of the esophagus (esophageal varices), bleeding can occur, which also results in bloody stool.
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➔ Medication for diarrheaDiseases with this symptom
- Colon cancer
- Intestinal polyps
- Esophageal varices
- Vascular malformation
- Vasculitis
- Gastric polyps
- Gastric ulcer
- Hiatal hernia
- Tarry stool
- Ulcerative colitis
- Intestinal inflammation
- anthrax
- Duodenal ulcer
- Crohn's disease
- Bacterial dysentery
Diagnosis & course of disease
It is always useful to check for blood in the stool. For the doctor, this means that he must first find out where the blood came from, what the cause is, and whether it is an injury. The first clue to the cause can be the color of the blood. Dark or black blood speaks for the gastrointestinal tract, light for the rectum.
In the anamnesis, the doctor asks the patient about his bowel habits, whether he has frequent bloody diarrhea and / or gastrointestinal complaints, whether he has other pre-existing illnesses or chronic illnesses, whether he has suffered weight loss. During the physical exam, the abdomen is palpated and examined with a stethoscope. Sometimes the rectum is also palpated. To examine the bloody diarrhea, stool samples are examined in the laboratory.
If necessary, a gastroscopy (gastroscopy) or colonoscopy (colonoscopy) is performed to obtain further information about the cause of the bloody diarrhea. In addition, it may be necessary to x-ray the abdomen, examine the abdominal arteries, and perform a scintigraphy. The course of the disease depends on the cause of the bloody diarrhea.
Hemorrhoids are easy to treat and usually go well. If the cause is colon cancer, the course will depend on how early it is discovered. In the worst case, the disease is fatal. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis must be treated with long-term therapy.
Complications
Bloody diarrhea is usually a symptom of an intestinal disease. There can be some consequences and complications associated with this underlying condition. In the following, however, only those complications that are directly related to the symptom of bloody diarrhea are considered and detailed.
First of all, the two components of the symptom need to be considered. On the one hand there is a loss of blood, on the other hand diarrhea. Both "parts" of the symptom lead to a considerable weakening of the organism. Thus, a general feeling of illness, general weakness and fatigue are to be expected as "complications". Circulatory problems and dizziness can also be caused by bloody diarrhea. The diarrhea results in a more or less pronounced loss of water. The symptoms of water loss and those of blood loss increase. Both lead to a weakening of the body. In order to avoid more serious consequences, such as a breakdown of the circulatory system, loss of consciousness or death, it is important to compensate for the loss of water.
Ultimately, it can be said that significant amounts of blood and water are lost in the event of bloody diarrhea. Both of these lead to an acute weakening of the body and, if left untreated, can lead to death. Signs of weakness include tiredness, difficulty concentrating, dizziness and circulatory problems. If a critical state is reached, it can lead to loss of consciousness. The bloody diarrhea requires medical treatment.
When should you go to the doctor?
The anus is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body, so that pathogenic changes become noticeable very quickly. The number of potential causes is correspondingly wide, which makes identification difficult. Therefore, a visit to the doctor should not be put off the back burner if you have bloody diarrhea. It is important to overcome inhibitions as early as possible for safety reasons.
A diagnosis can only be made through precise observation in conjunction with proper medical care. The family doctor (usually a general practitioner) can therefore act as the first point of contact. This should be fully informed of the exact complaints and the observations made (e.g. color and frequency of the bloody diarrhea). The family doctor will refer you to a specialist such as a proctologist if necessary.
In some cases, the blood in diarrhea can almost certainly be traced back to specific causes. Independent observation may initially be useful here. In particular after a major change in diet, many people experience harmless changes in their bowel movements, which under certain circumstances can also lead to diarrhea and bleeding. The duration of the independent observation must, however, be limited to just a few days. If in doubt, a doctor should always be consulted.
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Treatment & Therapy
Treatment does not necessarily have to be given because many light bleeds will stop on their own. However, major bleeding is always associated with blood loss and should be stopped as quickly as possible. In the case of simple gastrointestinal infections, which can also be connected with blood, it usually helps to rest, drink enough fluids and, if necessary, take an antibiotic.
If stomach ulcers or varicose veins bleed in the esophagus, a quick surgical procedure is usually necessary. Bleeding caused by smaller hemorrhoids is usually treated with ointments or suppositories; for larger hemorrhoids that cause excessive bleeding, sclerosing or removing them can be useful. If intestinal polyps or intestinal diverticula are causing the bleeding, they can be removed endoscopically as part of a colonoscopy.
For colon cancer, surgery may be necessary, as well as chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chronic intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, which are also associated with bloody diarrhea, are often treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, which, however, are usually poorly tolerated in long-term therapy because of the side effects.
Naturopathy with its holistic approach is a good alternative here. It also includes the patient's psyche and eating habits in the treatment, because a poor diet can promote intestinal diseases.
Outlook & forecast
Bloody diarrhea does not necessarily mean a serious illness. In most cases, there is a harmless symptom behind the red color.
The bloody diarrhea is very common in people who are constipated. Vessels are damaged by the very high pressure, so that some blood comes out of the diarrhea and turns red. There is no need to treat this symptom if the infection goes away on its own.
It usually takes several days to fight a gastrointestinal infection. Medicines from the pharmacy can be taken here as support. If the infection does not go away on its own, the doctor can help with antibiotics. In most cases there are no further complaints or complications.
In the worst case, the patient suffers from colon cancer. However, this manifests itself as a long-lasting bloody diarrhea that does not go away on its own and is associated with severe pain.
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➔ Medication for diarrheaprevention
Since intestinal diseases have a lot to do with diet, a healthy, balanced diet is a good prevention against intestinal and abdominal diseases in general. Gastrointestinal infections are often caused by spoiled food or by infection. Good hygiene helps here. Food should be checked regularly to see whether it is still okay.
In the case of gastrointestinal infections, antibacterial cleaners may be required if a shared toilet is used. Another important prevention against infection is regular hand washing. Those who suffer from frequent constipation should pay attention to a high-fiber diet and exercise in order to effectively prevent hemorrhoids, which are favored by strong pressure during bowel movements.
You can do that yourself
The trigger for bloody diarrhea must always be clarified by a doctor. In some cases, however, those affected can help improve symptoms or combat the causes themselves. Existing cracks and fissures in the anal area often break open again with diarrhea. Since these injuries usually occur when the patient has to press hard when defecating, those affected should ensure that their digestion is regulated. In these cases, the most important thing is a healthy, high-fiber diet and an adequate intake of fluids, preferably mineral water or tea.
There are also a number of home remedies that can help improve digestion. One to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, taken right before bed, ensure regular bowel movements. Fleas, wheat bran and castor oil are also helpful. A lack of exercise also regularly leads to digestive problems. Light sports such as cycling, swimming or brisk walks can help.
In addition, it is important that the injured skin in the anal area is properly cared for and that hygiene is observed. The patient should clean the anal area with warm water after each bowel movement and then apply a special care cream if necessary. The measures described also help if enlarged piles are the cause of bloody stools. If bloody diarrhea is due to serious illnesses, such as Crohn's disease or colon cancer, it is better to refrain from experimenting with home remedies, in these cases a visit to the doctor is inevitable.
