Hematochezia is the passage of fresh blood from the anus, usually with stools. This pdf provides a basic overview of what blood in stool may indicate and what should you do if you observe bloody stools.

2. Hematochezia is the passage of bright red blood in stool,
usually from the lower gastrointestinal tract (the colon or
rectum) or from hemorrhoids.
The term ‘hematochezia’ is not used very commonly.
"Bright red blood in the stool" is a more widely used and
understood term for the condition.

3. Blood in stool can be a serious
problem, but it doesn't always
have to be. These slides present
information briefly about what
you should know about the
possible causes of hematochezia
and what you should do if you
find it.

4. The possible causes of hematochezia (blood in stool)
are:
•It indicates there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract
•Diverticulitis: Diverticula are small pockets that grow from
the colon wall
•Anal fissure: A small tear in the tissue lining the anus
•Polyps or cancer can also be a reason for the bloody stools
• Varicose veins of the esophagus
•Tears in the esophagus can cause severe blood loss

5. •Ulcers: ulcers in the lining of the stomach or duodenum
•Angiodysplasia is a condition that can cause blood in
stools due to abnormal blood vessels
•Inflammation of the colon such as due to infection or
inflammatory colitis
•Chrohn’s disease
•Hemorrhoids (piles). Read about symptoms of hemorrhoids
•Abnormalities of the gut

6. •See a doctor – that’s the first thing. Do not self-diagnose
•If the bleeding is heavy, or if you have black- or plum-
coloured faeces (melaena), meet a doctor immediately or
call an ambulance.
•If you feel dizzy or feel unwell, call an ambulance. This may
be due to heavy bleeding.

7. •In most cases, the bleeding is mild and not due to some
serious complications.
•If the bleeding is low or mild, make an appointment with
your doctor soon.
•People often self-diagnose bleeding as due to hemorrhoids
and do not get it investigated further by a doctor.
•Haemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal
bleeding but is not the only reason.

9. Treatment depends on the actual cause of the condition. If this
is due to anal fissures or tears, you will receive medication and it
will improve in a few days.
If the reason is hemorrhoids, medical and/or surgery will be
recommended depending on the condition.
If it is due to more serious condition such as cancer, a
specialized treatment for the condition or disease will be
delivered.

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