Other Possible Causes of Bloody Stool
If it’s not the result of foods you have eaten, there are several other potential causes for bloody stool.
Constipation
If you’ve been constipated or have had trouble passing bowel movements, these struggles can cause straining and tears that may lead to bleeding.
“There’s a possibility that the hard stool may be irritating your anal tissue on its way out,” says Ohio-based Donald Ford, MD, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids (swollen veins in your anus or lower rectum) are benign and treatable conditions. Internal hemorrhoids, while typically painless, can cause blood spotting and bloody stool on its way out.
Anal Fissures
Anal fissures (small tears in the lining of your anus) can form when you have constipation or diarrhea, resulting in bloody stool. Anal fissures can cause pain, burning, and a visible crack on the anus. Many times, anal fissures heal on their own, but they sometimes need treatment.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
An inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the bowels, which leads to symptoms like severe abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, and bloody stools.
Food Poisoning
Severe food poisoning, which is caused by consuming food or beverages contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites, can cause bloody diarrhea. If this happens to you, talk with your doctor about the best course of treatment and whether you need emergency care.
Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers occur in the stomach when stomach acid wears away its protective lining, creating open sores. This results in burning and pain, and bleeding may occur.
Could Bloody Stools Mean Colon Cancer?
Because there are so many potential causes for blood in the stool, most of which are benign, it’s better not to jump to the conclusion that you have cancer. With that said, consistent bleeding or dark and tarry stool accompanied by changes in your bowel habits, or very narrow stool, could be a sign of colon cancer.