Sunday November 17, 2013 MYT 9:31:10 AM
by dr lee hock bee
THE sight of blood in your stools can be a frightening experience. The blood may originate from anywhere along your digestive system. If you find that you have this condition, see your doctor immediately to check out the cause of the bleeding.
During the recent World Digestive Health Day 2013 (WDHD2013) roadshow, a digestive health survey indicated that approximately 10% of the visitors surveyed experienced blood in stools.
The causes of blood in stools may range from harmless, annoying conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as haemorrhoids, to serious conditions like cancer.
So, how can you learn if you are bleeding internally? There may be instances when the amount of blood is so minute that it can only be detected by a faecal occult test; this detects blood that may be “hidden” in the stool, particularly if the amount of blood is not substantial.
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| The causes of blood in stools may range from harmless, annoying conditions of the GI tract, such as haemorrhoids, to serious conditions like cancer. – AFP |
Bleeding in the upper GI tract
This includes the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Should you bleed from any of these parts of your body, the blood in your stools will be black or tarry. On top of that, you may also vomit bright red blood, dark clots, or coffee ground-like vomitus.
Some of the causes include:
*Abnormal blood vessels (angiodysplasia), which is a condition where the fragile nature of the abnormal blood vessels leads to bleeding.
*Peptic ulcer, which is an open sore in the upper end of the small intestines, or the lining of the stomach or duodenum. Take note that any bleeding that happens in the oesophagus or stomach may also lead to vomiting blood. These ulcers may be caused by infection from a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, or the long-term or high-dose use of certain anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, peptic ulcers can be very serious. The dangers associated with it include anaemia, profuse bleeding and stomach cancer; hence, this condition should be constantly monitored.
*Bleeding stomach or duodenal ulcer. Either of these conditions could be the cause of black stools. Duodenal ulcers are normally more common than stomach ulcers, and are often caused by alcohol abuse.
*Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). This condition occurs when the lining of the stomach is inflamed, irritated or eroded, which may happen suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). It may be caused by excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, the use of certain types of medications, bile reflux, infections or pernicious anaemia.
Bleeding in the lower GI tract
This includes the large intestine, rectum, and anus. If the source of bleeding comes from here, the blood that is passed in your stool will be either bright red or maroon in colour to indicate fresh or old blood respectively. The causes may be:
*Haemorrhoids, the most common cause, is a condition where the veins in the anal canal are swollen, which in turn may lead to bleeding.
*Colon polyps or colon cancer. The majority of polyps are non-cancerous growths. However, these polyps can sometimes develop into cancer, and almost all colon and rectal cancers originate from polyps.
*Diverticulosis is a condition where tiny “pockets” (diverticula) are formed due to pressure caused by gas, waste or liquid, on weak spots in the intestinal walls.
*Intestinal infections can lead to inflammation and bloody diarrhoea.
*Small bowel tumours are typically located in the lower GI tract.
*Inflammatory bowel disease includes several disorders that cause the intestines to become inflamed. This could possibly be the result of the body’s immune reaction against its own intestines.
*Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the large intestine (the colon) and rectum; tiny ulcers and small abscesses will develop in the patient’s colon or rectum, and when this happens, it can cause bloody stools and diarrhoea.
Other reasons for black stools include diet. If you eat black liquorice, lead, iron pills, medicines or blueberries, your stools may be black in colour. Eating beets and tomatoes may give your stools a reddish colour.
However, if you have eliminated these from your diet and your stools are still black or red, go for a medical check-up immediately.
Evaluating your condition
It is important that you get a doctor to evaluate your condition if you discover blood in your stools.
There are several tests that may need to be run in order to diagnose your condition. These include:
*Endoscopy
*Colonoscopy
*Enteroscopy
*X-rays of the abdomen
*Nuclear scanning and angiography
*Radionuclide imaging
*Laparotomy
It is also important to know whether there are any other symptoms that may also be present. This will help your doctor determine the actual cause. For instance, if you also suffer from abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea, fainting and drastic weight loss, be sure to give all the details to help your doctor diagnose your condition and to locate the cause of the bleeding.
Your doctor may use one of several techniques to stop acute bleeding, and the purpose of these treatments is to address the cause of bleeding and prevent it from returning. The type of treatment given will depend on the cause and location of bleeding.
Do not forget to consult your doctor for more information, and always go for regular medical check-ups. In addition, you should make it a habit to take preventive steps such as increasing your fibre intake and consuming probiotics, which are good for your digestive health.
Leading a healthy and active lifestyle will also improve your digestive health and boost your immune system.
http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Health/2013/11/17/Bleeding-guts.aspx
