The following are common reasons for blood to be present in the stool, please note that many of these accompany further symptoms. The first 2 symptoms are the far most likely for anyone experiencing bleeding in their stool.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids or Piles are swollen blood vessels in and around the rectum. They can bleed when you have a bowel movement, which can leave streaks of bright-red blood in your stools and on the toilet paper. Piles may also cause itchiness around your anus. They often heal on their own.
Anal fistula
An anal fistula is a small channel that develops between the end of the bowel, known as the anal canal or back passage, and the skin near the anus (the opening where waste leaves the body). They are usually painful and can cause bleeding when you go to the toilet.
Angiodysplasia
Angiodysplasia is a condition in which the blood vessels in the colon (part of the large bowel) become enlarged. It is more common in older people and can cause painless rectal bleeding.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and bowel, which your immune system will usually fight off after a few days. It can cause diarrhoea that contains traces of blood and mucus, as well as other symptoms such as vomiting and stomach cramps.
Diverticula
Diverticula is where small bulges form in the lining of your lower bowel. These contain weakened blood vessels that can burst and cause sudden, painless bleeding (you may pass quite a lot of blood in your stools).
Colon cancer and polyps
Colon cancer (a type of bowel cancer) is a common cancer and the reason why you should always get checked by your Doctor if you have rectal bleeding. The only symptom may be rectal bleeding in the early stages, so don’t ignore it. Colon cancer can be more easily treated if diagnosed at an early stage.
Colon cancer starts as little growths called polyps, removing these early can prevent the cancer taking hold.
Cancer of the rectum
Cancer of the rectum is a type of bowel cancer that usually affects older people, but can only be ruled out after seeing your Doctor.
Less common reasons for blood in the stools include Anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin or aspirin, which are taken to reduce your chance of a blood clot but can sometimes cause internal bleeding.
Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can also cause bleeding. These long-term conditions cause the lining of the bowel to become inflamed. Crohn’s disease affects the gut higher up, whereas ulcerative colitis affects the large bowel and rectum, further down. Both tend to cause bloody diarrhoea.
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