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Blood in stool looks different depending on how early it enters the digestive tract—and thus how much digestive action it has been exposed to—and how much there is. The term can refer either to melena, with a black appearance, typically originating from upper gastrointestinal bleeding; or to hematochezia, with a red color, typically originating from lower gastrointestinal bleeding. [6]
The presence of bright red blood in stool, known as hematochezia, typically indicates lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Digested blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract may appear black rather than red, resulting in "coffee ground" vomit or melena. [2] Other signs and symptoms include feeling tired, dizziness, and pale skin color. [18]
Melena is a form of blood in stool which refers to the dark black, tarry feces that are commonly associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. [1] The black color and characteristic strong odor are caused by hemoglobin in the blood being altered by digestive enzymes and intestinal bacteria.
There are some symptoms that raise suspicion when they accompany blood in the stool, Dr. Bulsiewicz points out. These can include multiple bowel movements in a row with fresh blood and unexplained ...
No symptoms. Pain that's dull or burning. Pain that may be worse between meals, after eating or at night. Bloating or belching. Heartburn. Nausea. Vomiting blood. Dark blood in stools. Dizziness ...
Those with rectal bleeding may notice bright red blood in their stool. Symptoms associated with rectal bleeding include having several bowel movements in a day, feelings of incomplete rectal evacuation, straining, hard or lumpy stools, feelings of urgency, loose or watery stools, and leakage of bowel movement. [2]
Blood may be observed in vomit or in altered form as black stool. Depending on the amount of the blood loss, symptoms may include shock. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be caused by peptic ulcers, gastric erosions, esophageal varices, and rarer causes such as gastric cancer. The initial assessment includes measurement of the blood pressure ...
The basic and most common symptoms reported are blood in stool and blood in vomiting. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding then is reported, and is very commonly represented in elderly patients. [ 4 ] Black or bloody stools and hematemesis account for over three quarters of the case presentations.