Bloody Stool Causes
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Causes of Bloody Stools
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Blood in your stool---sometimes signaling a serious medical condition---is reason to call your doctor. Bloody stools could mean bacterial or viral infection in your intestinal track. Bloody stools are also a sign of colon cancer and bowel disease and shouldn't be ignored. When you have internal bleeding---from low blood platelet count or trauma from injury or surgery---blood can enter the intestines and mix with feces. As cancer cells attack your colon the damage to delicate internal tissues can cause your rectum to bleed. Bowel diseases---like inflammatory bowels---irritate and swell the tissue of your intestines, causing bleeding. Anal trauma---from childbirth, for example---can also cause bloody stools.
Bacterial and Viral Infections
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Salmonella is a common bacterial infection that affects your intestinal tract. Salmonella enters your digestive system through contaminated water or food. Symptoms of salmonella include bloody stools, along with vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache and muscle pain. Salmonella infection starts showing symptoms within 12 to 72 hours after exposure; symptoms can last for four to seven days. Most healthy people can recover from salmonella without medical treatment. Salmonella infection can spread beyond your intestinal track and become life-threatening. If your symptoms become severe or you're not getting better after one week, contact your doctor.
Bacterial infections like staph infection can enter your intestinal tract and cause bloody stools. Un-treated bacterial infections affect blood platelets--blood clotting--which can cause internal bleeding. If you develop bloody stools after having a medical procedure--like a colonoscopy--or recent surgery related to your digestive tract, staph bacteria could be the reason. Bacterial infections, like viral infections, present flu-like symptoms. Bacterial infections require immediate medical attention.
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Colon Cancer
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Colon, rectal, or colorectal cancers begin in the lower part of your digestive system. Colon cancer is caused by small clumps of polyps in the intestine that over time become cancerous. Colon cancer in the beginning stages shows very few symptoms. Two of the first signs are often changes in your bowel movements and bloody stools. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you notice blood in your stool you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Colon cancer, if not treated early, can be deadly. Early diagnosis ensures you the best outcome and response to treatment.
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