About this topic
Blood in the stool is often a sign of a problem in the bowel. Most often it is not serious. It may come from a swollen blood vessel around where the stool comes out. This is called a hemorrhoid. It may also come from small rips in the skin near where the stool comes out. Blood may be seen as a maroon color, bright red, or a black tar. Sometimes, bloody stools are serious. They may be a sign of some other illness. The doctor can test the stool to find out the reason for the blood. ‚
Treatment will depend on the cause of the bleeding. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Sit in a warm water tub deep enough to cover the hips and buttocks for 15 minutes. Do this 2 to 3 times each day to help with itching or pain.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help relieve pain, itching, and swelling
- Soften stools and reduce straining
- Treat constipation
- Help with stomach cramps
Will physical activity be limited?
Exercise may help with digestion and could prevent hard stools. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Drink lots of fluids. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses every day.
- Eat high fiber foods like fruits and vegetables. This will help lessen the strain during bowel movement.
- Avoid eating acidic foods like spices, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and cranberries. These foods may bother the stomach.
- Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks. These may bother the stomach.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
What problems could happen?
- Stomach pain
- Anal pain, itching, and swelling
- Pain during bowel movements
- Hard stools if holding stools due to pain
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- Very bad belly pain
- Bleeding gets worse
- Weight loss
- Very bad loose stools
- Throwing up over and over
Helpful tips
- Vitamins and supplements with iron will cause you to have dark-colored stools.
- Blue, red, and purple foods like blueberries, beets, and blackberries may cause a bloody-like stool.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have very bad loose stools or more bleeding.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Bowel_motions?open ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚