Blood in the Stools

Alternate Names : Rectal Bleeding, Hematochezia

What can be done to prevent the symptom?

Careful management of disorders like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may prevent blood in the stools. Careful monitoring and treatment of hemorrhoids also may prevent blood in the stool. Avoiding excess alcohol may decrease this risk. Some causes of blood in the stool cannot be prevented, but prompt treatment may make rectal bleeding less likely.

What are the long-term effects of the symptom?

Long-term effects of blood in the stools depend on the underlying cause. If the cause is an anal fissure or hemorrhoids, treatment may stop the bleeding. Bleeding caused by diverticulitis may improve when the diverticulitis is treated with diet, antibiotics, or surgery. If the underlying cause of the bloody stools is colorectal cancer, permanent damage to the intestine may occur, or the cancer may be fatal.

What are the risks to others?

Blood in the stools is not contagious.