Bowel changes or bleeding (needs checking)

Overview

Bright red blood is usually from near the anus. Black stools may be from higher up.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Blood in stool or change in bowel habits
• Change in bowel habits lasting weeks, or thin stools

Less common

• Black stools
• Weight loss

When to get medical care

Causes

Hemorrhoids, fissures, polyps, cancer.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Over 45

Possible complications

• Colon cancer
• Hemorrhoids

Diagnosis

A clinician examines.

Questions you may be asked

• How long, how much

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Colonoscopy:
• Blood count:

Treatment

Get evaluated.

Self-care

• Eat fiber
• Keep screening up

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Colon screening from 45

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults over 45: Screening finds problems early.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Depends on cause.

Most causes are treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Do I need a colonoscopy?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Bowel changes or bleeding (needs checking)