Bright Blood in Stool

Dear Doctor,
I'm 42 yrs old and went to the bathroom and found bright blood that came from my anus with a stool that looked normal.  I do a lot of heavy work and I have a 2 year old.  My bowel movements are usually once a day but the consitencey varys from lose to firm.  I didn't feel any pain as a hemeroid but I do occassionally notice that I have one.  What do you think?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

There are several considerations.  Hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, diverticulosis, polyps, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease or gastroenteritis can all cause bright red blood in your stool.  

To be safe, I would recommend seeing your physician for an exam.  An anoscopy should be done to look for possible hemorrhoids.  However, as you are approaching the age of 50, I would suggest erring on the safe side and obtain an endoscopy to make sure the cause this is not colorectal cancer.  A colonoscopy would be preferable as it examines the whole colon (versus a flexible sigmoidoscopy which examines 1/3 of the colon).  Endoscopy can also evaluate for polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulitis.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[kevinmd]

Hello everyone,
Please note I will be unavailable until May 27th.  I look forward to answering your questions when I return.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.