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Blood in the stool
contents
- Different types of blood in the stool
- Bleeding source and appearance of blood residues
- Causes of tarry stool
- Cause gastric ulcer
- Reasons for blood admixtures
- Diverticulum and inflammation of the colon
- Fissures and hemorrhoids
- The walk to the doctor
- Diagnostics and examination methods
- Treatment for blood residues
- Preventive action
Different types of blood in the stool
Blood in the faeces is not always directly recognizable for those affected. For example, it may be hidden, that is, invisible to the naked eye, which in technical terms is called "occult blood." In a so-called tarrene (melena), the stool is abnormally black and shiny. Easy to recognize is bright red blood, which is on or in the chair.
Blood in the stool is easily recognizable when it appears in the form of bright red spots on the toilet paper. (Image: parntawan1987 / fotolia.com) Bleeding source and appearance of blood residues
Depending on the source of bleeding, different types of blood are differentiated in the stool. In a tea chair, bleeding occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract, that is, between the mouth and duodenum. The amount of blood is more than about 100 milliliters. A few hours after the bleeding event, patients discard a glossy black stool. The color arises when hydrochloric acid from the stomach decomposes the blood.
If the origin is in the lower part of the digestive tract, starting from the jejunum, the blood is visible to the affected person as a bright red admixture or superimposition. For example, this form is typical for hemorrhoidal disease.
In occult blood, which is not visible to the eye, the bleeding is very low. In order to make the residues visible, special examination procedures are used. The source can be located throughout the digestive tract. In the case of colorectal cancer screening, occult blood is also "looked for" in order to recognize a possible intestinal carcinoma at an early stage.
The stool may also turn dark or black if there is no bleeding. For example, the ingestion of iron, bismuth and coal preparations or the consumption of blueberries or beetroot leads to a darkening. Black bowel movements should always be taken seriously and clarified by a doctor as soon as possible.
Consuming larger quantities of beetroot may cause the faeces to turn dark or reddish for a short time. (Image: emuck / fotolia.com) Causes of tarry stool
For the complaints a variety of diseases can be responsible. Possible causes of a tarry stool, where the source of bleeding is usually in the upper digestive tract, are ulcers, oesophagitis, oesophageal varices, severe vomiting or gastric carcinoma.
Most of the tea chair is created by the fact that the source of bleeding sits above the small intestine. But it can also occur when intestinal bacteria decompose the hemoglobin by prolonged contact or with slower intestinal passage, from which the "black" hematin forms and the discoloration of the faeces develops.
As a further cause inflammation of the esophagus into consideration. Irritation, caused for example by viruses, fungi or chemical burns, can lead to mucosal bleeding. This is usually visible in the form of a tarry chair.
Portal hypertension triggered by liver disease often leads to the formation of esophageal varices. These are varicose veins in the esophagus, which form due to the high pressure in this area. The varices can rupture, which can lead to easier bleeding, which can be recognized as blood in the stool. In serious cases, severe hematemesis occurs, which is a life threatening situation.
The situation is similar with the so-called "Mallory-Weiss syndrome". In this disease, the mucous membrane between the stomach and esophagus is so irritated by severe vomiting, choking or chronic reflux oesophagitis (often in alcoholics) that it comes to tears, which can bleed. In lighter forms, the stool darkens, in severe cases starts vomiting.
Stool discoloration may be a serious indication of gastric carcinoma. Not least for this reason, it is imperative that blood admixtures and tea chair necessarily be clarified as soon as possible medical.
Cause gastric ulcer
A gastric ulcer (gastric ulcer) is often accompanied by loss of appetite, bloating, gastric pressure, nausea and vomiting. As complications can also hematemesis or blood in the stool occur. With a blood volume that is greater than 100 milliliters, tarry stool and bloody vomiting (or so-called "coffee break") occur. The black color of the feces is caused by the breakdown of hemoglobin (red blood pigment). Smaller amounts are not visible to the eye when they come from the area of the stomach (occult blood).
If gastric ulcer is the cause of the discomfort, there is often additional stomach pressure, nausea and vomiting. (Image: VadimGuzhva / fotolia.com) Reasons for blood admixtures
If the blood comes from the middle or lower digestive tract, it becomes visible through deposits or admixtures in the stool. This so-called "hematochezia", ie a "fresh" bleeding, can in rare cases also come from the upper digestive tract. This is possible, for example, if the affected people take medicines that inhibit the hydrochloric acid. A very fast passage through the entire digestive tract (in the case of an empty stomach) can also trigger a hematochezia in the upper digestive tract.
Tumors in the small or large intestine may be the reason for the admixtures. However, these do not necessarily have to be vicious. For example, polyps are usually benign mucosal growths that can bleed. Furthermore, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis due to the constant inflammatory irritation as a cause into consideration.
Diverticulum and inflammation of the colon
Older people are more likely to develop so-called diverticula. These are protuberances of the intestinal wall, preferably in the colon. They may become infected (diverticulitis) and begin to bleed as a result.
Also conceivable is a pseudomembranous colitis. This is an inflammation of the large intestine (colitis), which arises for example after prolonged antibiotic use. The physiological intestinal flora is destroyed, thereby making antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread, which in turn produce toxins and cause inflammation.
Fissures and hemorrhoids
More common and much less critical causes of blood in the anus or in the stool are anal fissures and hemorrhoids. Anal fissures are mucosal tears in the anal area of unknown cause, with blockages (constipations) favor the emergence of the unpleasant disease. Typically, bright red blood in the feces or on the toilet paper, in addition to the heal when the injuries usually violent afterburn and Afterjucken occur.
Hemorrhoids are a possible cause of bloody bowel movements. (Image: bilderzwerg / fotolia.com) Scarlet red blood cells may also indicate hemorrhoidal disease, usually only referred to as hemorrhoids. These knot-shaped extensions, also called artriovenous vascular pads, have each. Together with the inner and outer sphincter, they help seal the bowel to the outside.
Not infrequently, however, it comes to a morbid enlargement of the spongy vessel cushions, which leads to symptoms such as burning and itching on the anus, anus, blood in the feces, constant foreign body sensation in the anus and a feeling of incomplete emptying. In this case, one speaks of a hemorrhoidal disease medically.
The walk to the doctor
Blood additions should be clarified by a doctor to determine the source. This also applies if otherwise no accompanying symptoms are recognizable. If further symptoms occur, such as pain during bowel movements, night sweats or nausea and vomiting, a physician should be consulted as soon as possible. Similarly, in case of unwanted weight loss urgently a medical examination is required. Especially with prolonged or intense bleeding in the digestive tract is often anemia (anemia), which must be treated.
Diagnostics and examination methods
As part of the history, the patients are questioned on the type of bleeding or whether it is Teerstuhl or a hematochezia. Furthermore, it is clarified whether pre-existing conditions such as hemorrhoidal, gastric ulcers, polyps in the intestine, diverticula, chronic inflammatory bowel disease or possibly alcoholism exist. This is usually based on the further procedure.
The methods of examination used include stool diagnostics, gastroscopy, rectoscopy (roentgenoscopy), x-rays and nuclear medicine procedures, in which radioactive substances are introduced into the body (scintigraphy). If necessary, blood is taken to investigate for pathogens and to exclude anemia.
If the admixture is not visible to the naked eye, the diagnosis is usually a chance finding. The blood is detected by the so-called hemoccult test, which can also be used at home: Patients bring on three consecutive days a little chair on test letters to give them for evaluation in the doctor's office. If the test is positive, blood has been detected in the samples, in which case further examinations are necessary, for example with the help of a colonoscopy.
Psyllium naturally acts against blockages and can therefore be used e.g. be very helpful with enlarged hemorrhoids. (Image: stefan_weis / fotolia.com) Treatment for blood residues
Treatment options depend on the cause and extent of the bleeding. In the case of hemorrhoids, attention must be paid to a high-fiber diet and sufficient fluid intake to counteract existing constipation.
Regular intake of psyllium may soften the stool and thus facilitate the daily walk to the toilet. These measures also apply to anal fissures. For massive manifestations, a surgical procedure may be necessary.
Another effective home remedy for constipation is dried fruit (prunes, figs, dates, etc.), alternatively, e.g. Plum or sauerkraut juice helps to get the digestion going. With hemorrhoids, cold washes after bowel movements have been proven to relieve the itching and treat the affected blood vessels.
Witch hazel extracts (Hamamelis) work well to naturally minimize bleeding and inflammation in the area of the anus. A sitz bath with essential oils is a blessing in enlarged, painful hemorrhoids.
Instructions for oil sitz bath
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Acute bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract can be arrested during endoscopic procedures. These include, for example, the so-called "hemoclip", which closes the source of bleeding. Frequently, injection methods are used, which result in a contraction of the vessels. A laser can soil the bleeding. It is possible to use a so-called "rubber band ligation" hemorrhage hemorrhage or oesophageal variceal bleeding to prevent. After the treatment of acute bleeding, the focus is on the underlying disease.
Preventive action
In order to prevent blood in the stool or its causes, various preventive measures can be used. The base is a healthy, low-fat, high-fiber and vitamin-rich diet that is low in animal products. Ensure adequate hydration, in the form of still water. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided and overweight should be reduced.
With the help of regular recovery phases and relaxation exercises a stress reduction is to be striven for. For negative stress can, for example, favor the development of a gastric ulcer (gastric ulcer). Well-proven methods include yoga, autogenic training and progressive muscle relaxation. (sw, nr, last updated on 6.12.2016)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)