Blood smattered stools

Bloody stools or hematochezia is the passage of blood smattered stools and is normally caused due to lower gastrointestinal bleeding (large bowel or rectum). Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of blood in toilet (bloody stool), especially in adults. These are tissues that protrude out through the anus and might bleed while straining or wiping.

In young adults, inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, is the major causative factor.

When a patient complaints about blood in the toilet, it could be indeed fresh blood or in some cases he might have misinterpreted the undigested red pigment in beets for blood. If blood is red, it could be from colon; and bleeding from cecum is usually black.
Melena or black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools suggest that the bleeding is from the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the anterior part of the small intestine. Bleeding could be due to stomach ulcers caused by ibuprofen, naproxen etc. The blood after being acted upon by the digestive juices would have a tar like appearance.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract. It could affect the ileum or the colon (Crohn’s colitis). The inflammation damages the bowel lining, making it ulcerated. A surgery might be required to remove the blockage of the bowel in the advanced stages. The exact causes of this disease still remain vague, but genetic factors are thought to have a role in this disease. It is seen that Jewish people are at increased risk of developing Crohn’s, while African Americans are at decreased risk, which substantiates the genetic link of this disease.

In many cases, the amount of blood would be too small for the human eyes, and could be detected only by a fecal occult blood test. In addition endoscopy or special x-ray studies are also employed by the doctors for its diagnosis.

There are some excellent grandma’s remedies to take control of bloody stools. Marshmallow root helps to heal the inflamed mucous membranes. Wild yam, Ginger and Cayenne are known to have anti inflammatory properties and is recommended against abdominal inflammation and gastrointestinal tract diseases. Peppermint soothes the stomach and intestinal tract besides aiding in easy digestion. Keep away from soft drinks and processed food that use artificial sweeteners.

Last but not least, laughter could be the best medicine as it provides a natural inner massage and statistics show that it accounts for 30% cure of the condition of bloody stools.