Is Bloody Stool Always Hemorrhoids?... Various Possible Conditions!

Recently, Mr. A, an office worker who noticed blood in his stool every time he had a bowel movement, visited a colorectal clinic and was quite surprised when the doctor recommended that he also see a gastroenterologist.

Mr. A, who was already aware of having mild hemorrhoids, assumed that the frequent bloody stools meant his hemorrhoids had progressed and that it was time for surgery. However, the doctor explained that his hemorrhoids were only at stage 1 and not severe enough for surgery, and recommended a gastroenterology consultation to rule out gastrointestinal diseases due to the frequent bloody stools.

When we eat, the waste remaining after digestion and nutrient absorption is excreted as stool, passing sequentially through the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and large intestine. Bleeding that occurs in any part of this tract and is discharged through the anus is referred to as hematochezia (bloody stool).

If bleeding occurs in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the small intestine, rectum, or colon, the blood does not mix with gastric acid and appears bright red. If the bleeding occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract, the hemoglobin in the blood reacts with gastric acid, resulting in a black color.

However, if blood remains in the lower gastrointestinal tract for a long time, bacteria may cause it to turn black, and if there is a large or rapid bleed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, there may not be enough time for the blood to react with gastric acid, resulting in the stool appearing bright red. Therefore, it can be difficult to distinguish the source of bleeding based on color alone.

Suspected diseases that may cause bloody stool include gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, esophageal varices, colonic diverticulosis, angiodysplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, stomach cancer, colon cancer, and hemorrhoids, with symptoms varying depending on the cause.

In addition to bloody stool, other symptoms may include blood clots, mucus, bloody diarrhea, or systemic symptoms such as abdominal pain, chest pain, vomiting, weight loss, dizziness, sweating, pallor, low blood pressure, and tachycardia.

The cause of the bleeding is identified and treated accordingly, with diagnosis made through symptoms reported by the patient and various tests such as upper and lower endoscopy.

Lim Taewon, Director of the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center at Daedong Hospital (gastroenterology specialist), advised, "When bloody stool appears, most people first think of hemorrhoids, but it is only one of many possible causes. Patients should not make assumptions on their own. If you notice any abnormal symptoms, you must visit a nearby medical institution, receive a diagnosis from a doctor, and get appropriate treatment at an early stage."

To prevent gastrointestinal diseases, avoid salty and spicy foods, fatty foods, and alcohol, and maintain a balanced intake of water and quality nutrients. Make efforts to improve your physical and mental health through regular exercise and finding your own method of stress relief.

If you are over 40, have an upper endoscopy every two years, and if you are over 50, have a colonoscopy every five years. If you have a family history or other medical conditions, consult a gastroenterology specialist to determine the appropriate frequency of endoscopic examinations.

Restroom [Image source=ClipartKorea]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.