Once you see blood on your stool, your first impulse is that of panic and the first thing that comes to mind is that of cancer.
At this point, it is very important not to panic. Seeing blood in the toilet, while frightening, is fairly common. You will be relieved to know that it can be caused by a number of reasons that are not life-threatening.
Just the same, the only way you can be 100% sure is to consult with a Los Angeles anal doctor. So don’t push the panic button just yet. Here are five other possible reasons behind the blood in your stool that is NOT related to cancer.
Hemorrhoids
Constipation, straining, prolonged sitting, and even the small act of lifting a heavy object can put a lot of pressure on the blood vessels of your anus and rectum. As a result, hemorrhoids can form, resulting to a painful and itchy anus, which can also be accompanied by blood during a bowel movement.
Anal fissure
An anal fissure is the medical term used to describe tears in the lining of the anus. They cause pain, bleeding, and a burning sensation during a bowel movement.
Diverticula
Diverticula happens when pouches begin to form in the wall of the colon. These pouches may occasionally bleed whenever the blood vessels in them break open.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease, which happens whenever there is chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
Polyps
Polyps are small non-cancerous growths that form on the colon lining or rectum. They are usually benign in nature, and do not cause any symptoms. But when they do, they usually cause blood on your stool to form.
What to Do If You See Blood on Your Stool
Most bleeding in the stool are caused by the conditions I have mentioned above, and they usually go away on their own over time. It would still be best to have them checked by a Los Angeles anal doctor, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms.
