blood in faeces

[fredrick33]

there is a small but obvious amount of blood in my stools.  other than this i have no other symptoms.  what could this be a sign of?

[glad2bamom]

hemorrhoids or an anal fissure/tear are probably the most likely culprit.  Of course, blood is always something to at least call the doc about.  Is the blood bright red?  Is it only when you have a bowel movement?  Do you strain when going to the bathroom?  Do you feel any pain or itching in that area?

[sk2006a]

blood in the stool is always a reason to consult a doctor.  it can be from many benign reasons, but it needs to be checked out thoroughly.

[Pum]

Depends on your age too what the likely problem is or more to the point how likely it is to be from a serious disease.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Are you having any other associated symptoms of itching, mucoid discharge, etc?

This could be secondary to anal fissures, hemorrhoids, warts due to human papillloma virus, moles, or in rare cases due to rectal cancer.

'An anal fissure is an unnatural crack or tear in the anus skin. As a fissure, these tiny tears may show as bright red rectal bleeding and cause severe periodic pain after defecation.'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anal_fissure

and

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anal-fissure/DS00762

'Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemorrhoid

It would be best to consult a surgeon for your symptoms to find out the cause of your complaints.

Till then you could try eating a high-fiber diet, using stool softener, taking pain killer and having a sitz bath for your symptoms. Apply calamine lotion at the site, keep the area clean and well moisturized, wear lose, comfortable clothes and maintain good personal hygiene.

Let us know if you need any other information. Post us about how you are doing.

Regards.