Explore the causes, symptoms, and urgent care for bloody diarrhea on Meri Sehat. Stay informed about your digestive health.

Bloody Diarrhea

Overview

Bloody diarrhea, or hematochezia, is a medical condition characterized by red blood in stools. 
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The term is frequently used interchangeably with dysentery. However, dysentery is a distinct condition marked by the frequent passage of small-volume, bloody mucoid stools, tenesmus, and abdominal cramps.

On the other hand, bloody diarrhea is a symptom of an invasive intestinal infection. Systemic symptoms, such as fever, intestinal damage, and nutritional decline, often accompany an episode. According to data, there is visible blood in the stools in approximately 10% of all diarrheal episodes worldwide.<a href="#accordion">[4]</a> 
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Bloody diarrhea lasts longer and is typically more problematic compared to watery diarrhea. It has a high case fatality rate and significantly affects the child&#39;s growth. Children complaining of bloody diarrhea usually have digestive problems and dietary deficiencies.

According to a recent study, acute bloody diarrhea is responsible for 5-15% of all diarrheal deaths in children (aged 0-5 years) in seven low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan.<a href="#accordion">[4]</a> 
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Sign and Symptoms

The presence of blood in diarrhea may range from small traces to extensive amounts, and the color can vary from bright red to maroon or even black, depending on the source and age of the blood. 
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The symptoms associated with bloody diarrhea can vary depending on the underlying cause, but often include:

<ul>
	<li>Bloody stools, bright red or dark in color</li>
	<li>Frequent, loose bowel movements</li>
	<li>Abdominal pain and cramping</li>
	<li>Fever, usually in cases of infectious bloody diarrhea</li>
	<li>Mucus in stools, especially in cases of IBD</li>
	<li>Dehydration</li>
	<li>Nausea or vomiting</li>
</ul>

Note: The longer the blood is inside the digestive tract, the darker it will be. In other words, dark blood may indicate that the bleeding is higher up in the digestive tract. It is a serious issue that needs medical care. 
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Causes

The top five common causes of bloody diarrhea include:

<ul>
	<li>Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella, and norovirus) can irritate the intestinal lining, causing bloody diarrhea. Contaminated food and unprotected sex are common sources of these infections. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract is a hallmark of IBD, leading to bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. Conditions include Crohn&#39;s disease and ulcerative colitis. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus can bleed during bowel movements, leading to bloody stools. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Conditions like diverticulitis, ischemic colitis, or gastrointestinal ulcers can cause bloody diarrhea. This condition often occurs in older individuals. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Medications: Certain medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can irritate the digestive tract and potentially lead to bleeding and diarrhea.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Diagnosis

The doctor begins by gathering information about the patient&#39;s symptoms, medical history, and recent travel or medication use. They&rsquo;ll also check for signs of dehydration or abdominal tenderness, which are symptoms of the condition.

The healthcare provider is likely to order blood tests if they suspect a case of bloody diarrhea. Besides, a stool specimen culture is recommended to confirm the presence of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites responsible for infection or inflammation in the digestive tract.

Imaging techniques (X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) and endoscopic procedures (anoscopy, colonoscopy, gastroscopy, or sigmoidoscopy) are used to look for any abnormalities in the digestive tract. 
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Treatment

The treatment of bloody diarrhea depends on its underlying cause. 
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<ul>
	<li>Antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat the infection. It&#39;s crucial to stay hydrated as well. This may be managed by drinking diluted juices or IV rehydration therapy.</li>
	<li>Medications like corticosteroids, immunomodulators, or biologics may be used to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation due to IBD.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a></li>
	<li>Over-the-counter creams, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications can alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids. However, severe cases may require medical or surgical intervention.</li>
	<li>Gastrointestinal bleeding can be treated by addressing the underlying cause through medications, endoscopic procedures, or surgery.<a href="#accordion">[3]</a></li>
	<li>Doctors may adjust or discontinue certain medications if they are causing bloody diarrhea. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

These include:

<ul>
	<li>Excessive Fluid Loss from diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be especially dangerous for infants and elderly.</li>
	<li>Chronic Bloody Diarrhea can prevent the absorption of nutrients, leading to malnutrition over time.</li>
	<li>Frequent Blood Loss in the stools can result in anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.</li>
	<li>In Severe Cases of gastrointestinal diseases, the intestinal wall can rupture, leading to life-threatening complications like peritonitis.</li>
	<li>Infections that enter the bloodstream from the digestive tract can result in sepsis, a severe and potentially fatal condition. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Poor Hygiene can increase the risk of infection-related bloody diarrhea.</li>
	<li>Underlying Health Conditions, such as colorectal cancer, anal fissures, and sexually-transmitted infections (e.g., gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, and syphilis), are major risk factors for bloody diarrhea.</li>
	<li>Age, with young and elderly individuals being more susceptible to complications from diarrhea.</li>
	<li>Long-Term Use Of Medications like NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.</li>
	<li>Consuming Contaminated Or Undercooked Food can lead to foodborne infections that cause bloody diarrhea. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

To reduce the risk of bloody diarrhea, consider the following preventive measures:

<ul>
	<li>Wash Hands Thoroughly With Soap and water before handling food, after using the restroom, and in other situations where contamination is possible.</li>
	<li>Properly Cook And Store Food, and avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats and seafood. Also, ensure there&rsquo;s plenty of fiber in the diet to avoid hard bowel movements.</li>
	<li>Get Vaccinated for protection against infectious causes of bloody diarrhea, such as hepatitis A and rotavirus.</li>
	<li>Use Medications like NSAIDs cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.</li>
	<li>For Individuals With IBD, managing stress, not smoking, and screening for cervical and colorectal cancers can help reduce flare-ups and the risk of bloody diarrhea.</li>
	<li>It&rsquo;s imperative to Use Condoms during sex to avoid infections. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Bloody diarrhea is characterized by red blood in stools and can be caused by various underlying conditions.</li>
	<li>Symptoms include bloody stools, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration.</li>
	<li>Common causes include infections, IBD, hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal bleeding, and medications.</li>
	<li>Diagnosis involves blood tests, imaging, and endoscopic procedures.</li>
	<li>Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.</li>
	<li>Complications can include dehydration, malnutrition, anemia, perforation, and sepsis.</li>
	<li>Risk factors include poor hygiene, underlying health conditions, age, medication use, and dietary choices.</li>
	<li>Preventive measures include washing hands thoroughly, food safety, vaccinations, and stress management.</li>
</ul>

[1] Diarrhoea and vomiting. NHS.

[2] Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

[3] Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

[4] Bawankule R, Shetye S, Singh A, Singh A, Kumar K. Epidemiological investigation and management of bloody diarrhea among children in India. PLoS One. 2019;14(9):e0222208. Published 2019 Sep 13.