Blood treatment in feces – Know possible causes and efficient treatment options for this common medical condition.

Blood in feces, also known as hematochecia, can be a worrying symptom that can indicate an underlying medical condition. It is important to look for medical attention if note blood in the feces, since it can be indicative of various gastrointestinal disorders. Blood treatment options vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition.

1. Conservative treatment: In cases where blood in the stool is mild and sel f-limited, a conservative treatment can be recommended. This implies modifications in lifestyle, such as increasing the intake of fibe r-rich foods and liquids to promote regular intestinal movements. In addition, avoiding excessive effort during depositions and adopting a healthy diet can help prevent greater gastrointestinal tract.

1. Medication: certain medications can be prescribed to treat the underlying cause of the blood in the feces. For example, if bleeding is due to an inflammatory intestinal disease (II) such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, ant i-inflammatories such as mesalamine or corticosteroids can be prescribed to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.
2. Endoscopic interventions: In some cases, additional diagnostic evaluation and treatment can be performed through an endoscope. Endoscopic interventions such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy can be used to directly visualize the gastrointestinal tract and potentially treat the origin of bleeding. During these procedures, abnormal tissue growth or hemorrhagic lesions can be identified and removed.
3. Surgical intervention: rarely, when bleeding is serious or does not respond to conservative or endoscopic treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary. The objective of surgery is to identify and repair the source of hemorrhage, for example by removing a tumor or repairing the breakage of a blood vessel.

Important information: blood in stool can be a sign of serious diseases such as colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause and the appropriate treatment plan. Ignore or delay medical evaluation can cause complications and worsening of the underlying condition. Look for immediate medical attention if serious and persistent bleeding associated with other symptoms such as dizziness or abdominal pain occurs.

– What is blood in the stool?

Introduction

Rectal hemorrhage can occur in different ways, such as bright red blood on the surface of the feces, mixed with the stool or even in the form of dark black feces or with an appearance of tar. The presence of blood in the stool can be alarming, since it can mean a hemorrhage of the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as rectus or colon. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all cases of rectal hemorrhage indicate a potentially deadly condition.

Possible causes of blood in feces

• Anal fissure: tear in the coating of the anus, often caused by trauma during defecation or evacuation of hard stool.
• Hemorrhoids: inflamed blood vessels in the rectum or anus, which can cause hemorrhages during defecation.
• Diverticulosis: Development of small bags in the colon, which can sometimes become inflamed or bleed.
• Gastrointestinal infections: bacterial or viral infections that affect the digestive system, such as gastroenteritis.

Note: It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of blood in the stool. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary, which may include physical examination, review of the medical history and diagnostic tests, to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an adequate treatment plan.

When to Seek Medical Attention

1. If the blood in the stool is accompanied by intense abdominal pain or cramps.
2. If there is persistent or recurring rectal hemorrhage.
3. If other worrying symptoms occur, such as involuntary weight loss or changes in intestinal habits.

It is essential to seek medical attention in time to identify and treat any underlying disease that may be causing the presence of blood in feces. A rapid diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and guarantee the proper treatment of the underlying cause.

Common Causes of Blood in Stool

Gastrointestinal infections: One of the common causes of the presence of blood in feces are gastrointestinal infections. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites, and can cause inflammation and ulceration in the intestines. Infections such as bacterial gastroenteritis or parasitic infections such as amoebiasis can cause blood stools.

Important information: gastrointestinal infections can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, poor hygienic practices or narrow contact with an infected person. If you suspect an infection, it is important to maintain good hands and seek medical attention for adequate diagnosis and treatment.

• Peptic ulcers: Another possible cause of the presence of blood in feces are peptic ulcers. These are open sores that are formed in the stomach lining or in the upper part of the small intestine. Ulcers can cause bleeding, which may appear in the form of blood in the stool.
• Hemorrhoids: hemorrhoids, also known as Almoranas, are inflamed blood vessels in the rectum or anus. When these blood vessels are enlarged or inflamed, they can cause bleeding during defecation. Hemorrhoids are a frequent condition that can often be treated with changes in lifestyle and free sales remedies.

1. Anal fissures: Anal fissures are small tears or cracks in the coating of the anus. They can occur by the evacuation of hard stool, excessive effort during defecation or anal trauma. The presence of anal fissures can cause the presence of blood in the stool.
2. Diverticulosis: diverticulosis is a disease characterized by the formation of small bags called diverticles in the colon lining, usually in older adults. These diverticula can be inflamed or infected, giving rise to a disease called diverticulitis. Both diverticulosis and diverticulitis can cause rectal hemorrhage.

Diagnostic Tests for Blood in Stool

1. Hidden blood analysis: One of the initial tests that are performed to detect blood in the stool is the hidden blood test. This test is recommended to people who do not present visible signs of bleeding but who run risk due to various factors, such as age or family history. The test consists of collecting a small stool sample, which is examined to detect the presence of hidden blood. This can be done through a chemical reaction, an immunochemical trial or a combination of both.

The hidden blood test is a no n-invasive method and can detect small amounts of blood that are not visible to the naked eye. However, it is important to keep in mind that a positive result does not necessarily confirm the presence of a serious illness, since there may be several reasons for the presence of blood in the stool.

2. Colonoscopy: In cases where blood in feces is persistent, recurring or is accompanied by other symptoms, a colonoscopy can be recommended. This diagnostic procedure implies the use of a flexible tube with a chamber at the end, which is introduced into the rectum and is guided through the colon. During colonoscopy, the doctor can visually inspect the colon and rectum to detect any anomaly, such as polyps, tumors or inflammation.

3. Flexible sigmoidoscopy: similar to colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic test that allows the doctor to examine the lower part of the colon and rectum. However, unlike colonoscopy, this procedure only examines the left side of the colon. The doctor uses a flexible tube with a camera to see the area and, if necessary, can also take tissue samples (biopsies) for later analysis.

Both colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy are valuable diagnostic tools, since they provide a direct visualization of the colon and rectum. These tests can help identify the origin of bleeding, either by hemorrhoids, intestinal inflammatory disease or other conditions.

Medical treatments for blood in stool

Here are some common medical treatments for blood in feces:

1. Medications: In some cases, medications can be prescribed to treat the underlying cause of blood in the stool. For example, if bleeding is due to an inflammatory intestinal disease (EII), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, ant i-inflammatories can be prescribed to reduce intestinal inflammation. In addition, antibiotics can be prescribed if bleeding is caused by an infection.
2. Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the rectum and colon. This procedure allows the doctor to visually examine the gastrointestinal tract and identify the source of the bleeding. In some cases, therapeutic interventions such as cauterization or bandaging may be performed during colonoscopy to stop bleeding.
3. Surgical intervention: In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of blood in the stool. This could involve removing abnormal growths or repairing damaged blood vessels or tissues. Surgery is usually considered when other treatments have been ineffective or when there is a significant risk of complications.

It is important to remember that appropriate medical treatment for blood in stool can only be determined by a healthcare professional after a thorough evaluation of medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic test results.

Additionally, as part of the overall treatment plan, lifestyle modifications may also be recommended, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding certain trigger foods.

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan if you experience blood in your stool. Prompt medical attention can help properly treat the disease and improve overall health and well-being.

Lifestyle changes to manage blood in stool

Dietary modifications: Adjusting your diet to include high-fiber foods and staying hydrated can effectively reduce the risk of constipation, which can worsen blood in your stool. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes can provide the necessary fiber intake. Additionally, adequate fluid intake, such as water and herbal teas, can soften stools and prevent straining during defecation.

Key tip: Opt for high-fibre foods such as raspberries, broccoli, lentils and whole wheat bread to ensure a balanced diet.

• Include high-fiber foods in your meals
• Stay well hydrated
• Avoid processed foods and excessive alcohol consumption

Lifestyle modifications: making certain changes in lifestyle can also contribute to blood management in feces. Regular exercise, such as walking at a light pace or swimming, can stimulate intestinal movements and improve the general health of the intestine. In addition, avoiding staying for a long time sitting or standing and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids.

1. Incorporate regular physical activity to your daily routine
2. Avoid staying a long time sitting or standing
3. Keep a healthy weight

Stress control: chronic stress has been identified as a factor that contributes to various gastrointestinal disorders. Performing activities that reduce stress, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises and yoga, can positively influence intestinal health and reduce the probability of blood episodes in feces.

Prevention of blood in stool

Follow a balanced and nutritious diet: a balanced diet plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins in their daily meals. These foods provide essential nutrients and favor regular intestinal movements, reducing blood probability in feces.

1. Avoid processed and fa t-rich foods: foods rich in saturated fats, such as fried and defendants, can contribute to digestive problems and increase blood risk in feces. Limit the consumption of these foods to maintain optimal digestive health.
2. Keep hydrated: drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day is essential for the proper functioning of the intestine. It helps to soften the feces and prevent constipation, which can cause rectal hemorrhage.
3. FIBER FOODS: Include fibe r-rich foods such as whole grains, legumes and fruits in your diet. Fiber adds volume to feces and helps regulate intestinal movements, reducing blood probabilities in feces.
4. Avoid excess alcohol and caffeine: excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can irritate the digestive system and cause gastrointestinal problems. Limiting alcohol consumption and coffee beverage can favor a healthier intestine.

Tip: regular exercise and maintenance of healthy weight can also contribute to improving digestive health and reducing the risk of blood in stool.

Take care of your intestinal health: a healthy intestine is essential for adequate digestion and can help prevent various gastrointestinal problems, such as the presence of blood in feces. Keep a balanced intestinal microbiota including foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt and fermented foods.

Following these preventive measures and making adequate dietary and lifestyle decisions, it can minimize blood risk in feces and maintain a healthy digestive system. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or serious symptoms.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont