Re: Bloody Stool

Posted By HFHSM.D.-ym on May 15, 1998 at 11:50:55:

In Reply to: Bloody Stool posted by DJ on May 14, 1998 at 02:45:39:






I am a 16yo and i have a problem: the other day I noticed, don't
ask me how, that I had bloody stools, i check for things like that
once a week, just in case, and I was really freaked out about it
the stool color is a orangy color, and the blood is on the toilet
paper, I do smoke although I don't know what that would have to
do with anything, and I have back problems and alot of lower stomach
aches sometimes, i have bad posture, a slight case of scoliosis and
am about 5'7" and 180lbs (im not in the best of shape) i don't have a
good diet which mainly consists of lemon heads, microwave burritos
dr. pepper and pop tarts, seriously.  I do drink alot of water though,
usually more than the recommended daily amount. but this is really starting
to scare me, I dont know whats wrong, its not hurting, but its just there
like making me think..... what could it be?
Dear DJ,
Stool color is generally influenced by the diet. Yellowish brown, green, tan and orange colored stool have all been described and are normal.  Black, tarry stools or red stools are indicative of recent bleeding. Clay colored stools indicate blockage of the bile ducts. Bright red blood on the tissue paper when wiping and not mixed with the stool is usually a sign of bleeding from the anal canal. This is often due to a hemorrhoid (a swollen blood vessel in the anal canal) or a fissure (a small tear in the anal canal). Some factors which contribute to these problems are a low fiber diet, straining when having a bowel movement, constipation, diarrhea or trauma to the area.
If you change your dietary habits you will notice marked improvement in your overall general health. Here are some simple things you can do to help ensure normal bowel habits.
1. Eat regular meals. Chew food thoroughly and slowly.
2. Drink plenty of fluids, including water, milk, fruit and vegetable juices and soups.
3. Exercise daily.
4. Establish regular toilet habits. Dont delay having a bowel movement.
5. Eat a high fiber diet that includes grains, fruits and vegetables.-An easy way to meet your daily fiber    requirement is to try a cereal called FIBER ONE CEREAL by General Mills. 2 ounces will give you 26 grams of fiber. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, keeps foods moving along the intestinal tract, holds water and allows for more easy passage of stool.
If the bleeding persists or occurs in increased amounts you should see a gastroenterologist to either confirm this impression or rule out other causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: blood in stool, normal bowel habits,