Causes of Sudden, Painless Blood in Stool
Have you ever been surprised to suddenly see blood in your stool while defecating? If this happens suddenly and painlessly, there are several possible causes. While it’s usually harmless, it can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Let’s explore the four main causes of blood in stool.
Causes of Sudden, Painless Blood in Stool
Hematochezia refers to the passage of blood during a bowel movement. Blood in the stool is understandably alarming and should raise concerns about your health. Constipation and hemorrhoids are the most common causes, while colon polyps and colon cancer are less common but possible causes.
1. Constipation
Constipation is closely related to sudden, bloody stool. This condition occurs when peristalsis in the colon is impaired, making it difficult to pass stool. The stool is excessively hard, making it difficult to pass stool, often resulting in excessive straining. This process is often accompanied by abdominal pain and bleeding. Constipation is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. The most common cause of this condition is irregular bowel habits. Normally, when stool remains in the rectum (the approximately 20cm straight section extending from the sigmoid colon, the end of the large intestine), the rectal wall detects it and expels it out of the anus. However, if this process is ignored, the rectal wall becomes numb and slows down, making bowel movements less frequent. This is what causes constipation. Insufficient food intake, such as through dieting, or a lack of regular fluid intake can also contribute to this condition. Hypothyroidism can also be a contributing factor. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. However, when thyroid function is impaired, hormone secretion is disrupted, affecting metabolism and leading to constipation. In fact, I, the author of this article, have suffered from constipation for a long time due to hypothyroidism. This constipation can cause discomfort in the lower abdomen and rectal bleeding, which can lead to hemorrhoids, pain, and bleeding from the anus. Treatment options include diet, lifestyle changes, exercise, medication, enema therapy, biofeedback therapy, and surgery.
2. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are also called piles. They can be categorized as internal hemorrhoids, where hemorrhoid tissue from the rectum or anus protrudes outside the anus, and external hemorrhoids, where hemorrhoid tissue outside the anus swells. Repeated, forceful defecation, combined with abdominal pressure and stool masses, compresses the submucosal tissue, causing blood clots around the anal canal. The elasticity of the tissues surrounding the anal canal decreases, and the resulting impact during defecation causes bloody stool. The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are bleeding and prolapse. Prolapse occurs when the anal and rectal mucosa protrudes, making it difficult for the tissue to return to its original position. Most people with hemorrhoids will notice bloody stools. As hemorrhoids progress, the tissue within the anus protrudes. This can cause the hemorrhoid tissue to be palpable, and in severe cases, it may even be outside the anus. Sometimes, it can be accompanied by discomfort and pain, as if the anus is about to fall out. Severe itching around the anus can interfere with daily life. Additionally, lumps may appear during bowel movements, and the pain worsens when sitting. Generally, it’s best to seek professional help to treat hemorrhoids. However, if you can’t get to the doctor or your condition doesn’t seem severe, the following treatments may be helpful: 1. Eat a high-fiber diet or take fiber supplements. High-fiber foods help soften stools, easing pain during bowel movements and reducing the risk of blood in the stool. 2. Take stool softeners. These help soften hard stools. 3. Take sitz baths. Sitz baths can relieve abdominal pressure and reduce the risk of blood clots in the stool. 통증없는 혈변 원인
3. Colon Polyps 좋은뉴스
Polyps, which grow on the walls of the intestine or rectum, protrude into the intestine or rectum. Most are benign and noncancerous. However, some can develop into malignant tumors over time. Most polyps are asymptomatic. However, if symptoms do occur, they often present as rectal bleeding. Transient blood in the stool may occur during bowel movements. Sudden, frequent bloody stools may also be accompanied by fatigue. Because these polyps often don’t present with significant symptoms or present with bloody stools, they are diagnosed through a colonoscopy. During this procedure, polyps are removed using an incisional instrument or wire loop. If polyps cannot be removed during this procedure, abdominal surgery may be necessary. As a preventive measure, polyps can also be removed during a colonoscopy through a polypectomy.
4. Colon Cancer
This cancer, also known as colon cancer, is the worst symptom that can occur when experiencing painless bloody stools. Early-stage cancer typically doesn’t cause specific symptoms. However, even without symptoms, blood can leak out of the body through intestinal bleeding, causing bloody stools, loss of appetite, and weight loss. As the cancer progresses, changes in bowel movements and rectal bleeding, which is a symptom of the disease, can occur. The bloody stool can be bright red or black. Abdominal distension may also be present, and in advanced cases, a lump may be felt in the lower abdomen. This cancer can usually be diagnosed through a biopsy performed through a colonoscopy. The following tests are performed to diagnose this cancer. First, there is a digital rectal examination. This method involves inserting a finger into the rectum to examine the tumor. When performed by a specialist, it can detect 75% of rectal cancers. Second, there is a stool test. Also known as a fecal occult blood test, this test detects blood in the stool. Third, there is a double barium enema. This test involves inserting a small tube into the anus, injecting barium contrast dye, and distending the colon with air to examine it. Fourth, there is a colonoscopy. This method, which involves inserting an endoscope into the anus to examine the colon, is the most accurate. This test is performed after removing all remaining fecal matter from the colon, ensuring it is clean. To do this, the patient takes medications or drinks the evening before to help empty the bowels.