Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help

05 Nov, 2025

Noticed blood in your stool and wondering if it’s something serious or just a result of poor lifestyle habits?First of all, spotting blood in your stool is always a sign to pay attention. While it’s not always due to a serious problem, it should never be ignored. In some cases, it can be an early warning sign of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions that require timely medical evaluation and treatment.

In this blog, we’ll help you understand why it happens, what it may mean, and when you should see a specialist.

Why Does Blood Appear in Stool?

Blood in stool can come from anywhere in your digestive tract — from your mouth to your rectum. The color and amount of blood can sometimes give a clue about the possible source:

• Bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl usually indicates bleeding from the lower part of the colon, rectum, or anus.
• Dark maroon or black, tar-like stools may indicate bleeding from higher up in the digestive tract, such as the stomach or small intestine.

Common Causes of Blood in Stool

Here are some of the most frequent causes:

• Haemorrhoids (Piles):
  Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus are one of the most common and benign causes of rectal bleeding.
• Anal Fissures:
  Small tears in the lining of the anus, often due to constipation or passing hard stools, can lead to pain and bright red bleeding.
• Colon Polyps or Cancer:
  Polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon that can bleed occasionally. Some types may develop into colorectal cancer if not removed early.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):
  Conditions like ulcerative colitis cause inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, leading to bleeding and other symptoms.
• Infections:
  Certain bacterial or parasitic infections can irritate the intestines and cause blood-streaked stools.
• Diverticulosis or Diverticulitis:
  Small pouches that form in the colon wall (diverticula) can sometimes bleed or get infected.

When Should You Worry?

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:

• Persistent or heavy bleeding
• Black, tar-like stools
• Stools mixed with Blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
• Abdominal pain or fatigue

Even if bleeding stops on its own, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause.

Diagnosis: How Doctors Find the Cause

Your doctor or GI surgeon may recommend:

• Physical examination and rectal exam
• Blood tests to check for anaemia or infection
• Colonoscopy to visualize the colon and rectum directly
• Imaging tests (CT scan, endoscopy) if bleeding is from the upper digestive tract

Early diagnosis helps ensure timely and effective treatment — especially if the cause is something serious like colorectal cancer.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Lifestyle changes, medications or surgery as needed for haemorrhoids or fissures
• Antibiotics for infections
• Anti-inflammatory medications for IBD
• Surgery or endoscopic procedures for polyps, cancers, or severe bleeding

While spotting blood in stool can be scary, it’s often treatable — the key is not ignoring it. Early evaluation by a Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgeon ensures that any serious condition is detected and managed at the right time.

If you notice blood in your stool, don’t delay — seek expert advice.

About Dr. Vivek Mangla

Dr. Vivek Mangla is a leading Gastrointestinal, HPB & Colorectal Cancer Surgeon at Max Hospital, Patparganj & Max Vaishali, Delhi NCR.

With over two decades of experience and expertise in advanced GI and HPB cancer surgeries, he provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for conditions like colorectal cancer, polyps, and gastrointestinal bleeding.