Discovering blood in your stool can be alarming, but it’s crucial to understand when it’s a sign to “Doctor Go” – meaning, when you should seek medical attention promptly. While not every instance requires immediate panic, it’s essential to differentiate between less serious causes and situations where you need to consult a healthcare professional.
Dr. Benigno Varela, a gastroenterologist, emphasizes, “Any time you experience bloody stool, it warrants a call to your provider. However, not all cases are emergencies.” Knowing when to head to the emergency room versus scheduling an appointment with your regular doctor is key.
Let’s break down the common reasons for bloody stools and help you determine when it’s time to “doctor go.”
Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures: Less Urgent Reasons to Doctor Go
If you notice occasional spots of bright red blood, particularly after wiping, it’s often due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the rectum and anus, can become irritated and bleed. Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by straining during bowel movements.
“Bright red blood and pain during bowel movements are often associated with hemorrhoids or fissures,” explains Dr. Varela. “These conditions can typically be managed with lifestyle changes and increased fiber intake.”
Symptoms that are generally not emergencies include:
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or small amounts in the bowl, usually mixed with brown stool. This often indicates bleeding from hemorrhoids located near the anal opening.
- Significant pain during bowel movements, which is a common symptom of an anal fissure.
While these symptoms are less alarming, it’s still wise to “doctor go” and discuss them with your physician for proper diagnosis and management.
Stool
Image: Illustration depicting a stool sample, relevant to the topic of blood in stools and when to seek medical advice.
When to Doctor Go to the Emergency Room: Serious Symptoms
In contrast to minor bleeding from hemorrhoids or fissures, certain symptoms associated with bloody stools signal a more serious issue requiring immediate medical attention – it’s definitely time to “doctor go” to the ER.
“If you observe blood clots, experience a significant amount of blood – described as gushing – or feel lightheaded, dizzy, or on the verge of fainting, these are red flags,” Dr. Varela cautions. These symptoms suggest a substantial and active bleed that needs urgent treatment. Potential causes can include diverticular bleeding or upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, such as a stomach ulcer.
Seek emergency medical help – “doctor go” to the nearest ER – if you experience:
- Black, tarry stools: This indicates digested blood, usually originating from higher up in the digestive tract, such as the small intestine, stomach, or esophagus. Be aware that certain medications like Pepto-Bismol or iron supplements can also darken stools, so consider this factor.
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping: Intense pain can point to inflammation or infection within the digestive system that may require immediate treatment, possibly including antibiotics.
- Significant rectal bleeding: Large volumes of bright red blood.
- Symptoms of shock: Lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness, rapid heartbeat, and decreased blood pressure.
It’s especially critical to “doctor go” immediately if you are taking blood thinners and notice bloody stools, as this can amplify the severity of bleeding.
Bloody Stools: Could It Be Something More Serious?
Dr. Varela highlights the importance of discussing any instance of bloody stools or rectal bleeding with your doctor because of the increasing rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults. This concerning trend is a key reason why the recommended age to begin routine colonoscopies was lowered from 50 to 45.
“Over the past two decades, we’ve seen an annual increase of 1.3% in colorectal cancer deaths among individuals under 50,” he states. “This is why we now recommend earlier colonoscopies for evaluating rectal bleeding – it’s better to investigate sooner rather than later.”
If you’re experiencing bloody stools, even if you suspect hemorrhoids, it’s prudent to “doctor go” and have a conversation with your healthcare provider, especially if you are over 45 or have risk factors for colorectal cancer.
What Happens When You Doctor Go to a Gastroenterologist?
If you decide to “doctor go” and consult a gastroenterologist, particularly for persistent or concerning symptoms, you might be wondering what to expect. The diagnostic process typically starts with a digital rectal exam. This initial examination allows doctors to identify hemorrhoids or anal fissures easily.
Further investigations might include a colonoscopy, a procedure that enables the doctor to visualize the rectum and large intestine. For suspected upper GI bleeding, an endoscopy, which examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, may be performed.
In conclusion, while seeing blood in your stool can be frightening, understanding the potential causes and recognizing when to “doctor go” – either to your regular physician or the emergency room – empowers you to take appropriate action for your health. Always prioritize seeking professional medical advice when you experience rectal bleeding to ensure timely diagnosis and management.
