Blood In Stool Specialist

What causes blood in stool?

Rectal bleeding is a common condition that can result due to a number of issues, especially if you have hemorrhoids or tears in the anal tissue. These conditions typically produce a noticeable amount of blood in your stool or in the toilet.

Other conditions that may be more serious can also be responsible for rectal bleeding or bloody stool, such as:

• Polyps
• Colon cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Internal bleeding
• Diverticular disease
• Infection
• Colitis

It’s important to determine the cause of your bleeding issues, so proper treatment can begin as soon as possible to prevent worsening of your condition.

How is the cause of my bloody stool diagnosed?

Dr. Arif first evaluates your medical history to determine if existing or new health conditions are the root cause of your rectal bleeding. He also performs a physical and rectal examination to identify anal tears or other abnormalities.

For some cases of unexplained rectal bleeding, Dr. Arif may recommend a colonoscopy. This type of diagnostic test can provide him with a closer look at the structures of your digestive tract to better understand the issues that cause bleeding.

What treatments are available for blood in stool?

Depending on the cause of bloody stool, you may need additional testing, especially if Dr. Arif suspects you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, any precancerous condition or colon cancer.

For bleeding due to hemorrhoids, Dr. Arif may recommend over-the-counter or prescription topical medications to shrink the swollen anal veins. Dr. Arif also offers office procedures such as banding for treatment of hemorrhoids.

For bleeding due to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, Dr. Arif may recommend appropriate medications for healing.

For cancer in the digestive tract, Dr. Arif may recommend surgery for removal and prevent obstructions that can lead to constipation and other digestive issues.

How can I prevent rectal bleeding?

When the cause of your rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids or rectal tears, you can prevent additional bleeding and other complications with home care resources Dr. Arif provides, such as:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Showering daily
• Sitz bath
• Increasing fiber intake
• Using ice packs to reduce hemorrhoid swelling

It’s also important that you avoid straining and sitting too long on the toilet, which can increase your risk for hemorrhoids or tissue tears. If you struggle with frequent constipation or blood in stool, schedule an evaluation at Katy Digestive Center.

Learn more about the available diagnostics and treatment services for rectal bleeding and bloody stool by calling the office today or use the convenient online booking feature.