Finding blood in your stool is not enough to diagnose yourself with any condition because several conditions present with this symptom. Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in East Patchogue, NY, will help you investigate, diagnose, and treat the cause of the blood in your stool.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur due to swelling of rectal or anal blood vessels and are a common cause of rectal bleeding. Itching and pain might accompany bloody stool when you have hemorrhoids.

Pregnancy, constipation, prolonged sitting, and heavy lifting are risk factors for hemorrhoids. Therapy for hemorrhoids includes switching to a fiber-rich diet and using ointments. However, your gastroenterologist at Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates might recommend surgery for enlarged hemorrhoids depending on the severity of your symptoms and size.

Polyps

Polyps are outgrowths from the wall of your bowel. They can look like a mushroom and when they become bigger, they can bleed when irritated. Colon and rectal polyps can be adenomatous, serrated, hyperplastic, villous adenoma, and inflammatory polyps.

Most polyps are adenomatous and few can turn into cancers. Early detection helps with successful colorectal cancer treatment, which is why the CDC recommends routine colorectal cancer screening for people over 50 years old.

If you see blood in your stool, you should see your Suffolk County, NY, gastroenterologist at Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates to rule out polyps and cancer.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis could be the reason for blood in your stool. After diagnosis, your gastroenterologist may prescribe medication or surgery for your condition.

Anal Fissure

Anal fissures are tears on the anal skin that can introduce blood into your stool. This condition might occur due to constipation or while passing really hard stool. Burning sensation might accompany bleeding when you use the restroom.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches, called diverticula, develop in weakened sections of your intestinal wall. The diverticula can bleed when inflamed, causing blood to appear in your stool.

Diverticulitis is the inflammation and infection of these diverticula. it could result in fever and abdominal pain.

Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleed

In some cases, the blood in your stool could be from bleeding in the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract. This gives your stool an almost black color. Your gastroenterologist might give you intravenous fluids, proton pump inhibitors, or perform an endoscopy to identify the bleeding site.

If you pass bloody stool, it's time to set up an appointment with your gastroenterologists at Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in East Patchogue, NY, by calling (631) 289-0300 to identify and treat the underlying cause.