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Blood in the stool can be either bright red, maroon in color, black and tarry, or occult (not visible to the naked eye). It may come from anywhere along the digestive tract, from mouth to anus.
A black stool indicates that the blood is coming from the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach and the part of the small intestine. The blood appears to be tar like after, been exposed to the body's digestive juices.
Maroon-colored stools or bright red blood suggests that the blood is coming from the lower part of the GI tract (large bowel, rectum, or anus).
Black colored stools may occur due to the consumption of black licorice, lead, iron pills, bismuth medicines like Pepto-Bismol, or blueberries.
In any of the cases, it is always suggested to ask the doctor to test the stool with a chemical to rule out the presence of blood.
Causes
Esophageal or Upper Gastro Intestinal Causes
- Stressful life
- Oesophagitis or inflammation of food pipe
Common Causes
- Stress, eating oily and spicy foods.
- Taken any medications, over the counter medicines, or those who are on steroids.
- History of regular intake of alcohol.
- Excessive smoking and use of betel leaves and tobacco.
Intestinal Causes
- Amoebic dysentery or food poisoning.
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Intestinal worms.
Anal Lesions Causes
- Fissure in anal mucosa
- Hemorrhoids or Piles
Other Causes
- Previous history of jaundice or typhoid fever
- Cancer of gastric mucosa.
Diseases
- Colon Cancer
- Bleeding
- Hemorrhoids
- Colorectal polyps
- Bacterial gastroenteritis
- Gastric Ulcer
- Constipation
- Crohn's Disease
- Leukemia
- Anal Cancer
- Hookworm
- Ulcerative colitis
- Rectal Bleeding
Natural Cures
- Mix equal quantities of dry ginger powder and senna leaves powder. Take 5gms of this with a cup of lukewarm water before going to bed. Helps to avoid constipation.
- Poultice made of sesame seeds can be applied over bleeding piles as an external measure and ½ tsp of sesame seeds with little butter can be taken orally.
- Butter milk mixed with little bit of black pepper powder and salt, must be taken daily for a few months.
- Crush about 11 rose petals with 50ml of water and take for 3 days on empty stomach.
- Eat fresh fruits, vegetables and fibrous food items.
Treatment
- Incorporate more fiber into the diet. Avoid processed food products. Also refrain from over eating.
- Stop using anti-inflammatory drugs. Use alternative methods to treat swelling and pain that don’t involve these types of medications.
- Regular rest and exercise will keep the body running like a well-oiled machine. Specifically, conditions like hemorrhoids occur when there is inactivity.
- Try home remedies for hemorrhoids including over-the-counter ointments and creams.
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