Blood in stool is a reason to see doctor

Most people have experienced blood in their stool. The simple fact is that when there is blood in the stool, this is an abnormal finding. A person that does experience any blood in the stool should see their family doctor.

When a person does experience blood, they need to think back as to whether or not there was any other symptom associated with the blood. It is important to determine if there is a small amount of blood, was it bright red, it is a dark red, did it occur spontaneously, was there any straining associated with it, was there any abdominal pain associated with it. These things can help your family doctor determine what the source is.

One of the leading causes of blood in the stool is a condition known as hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external. This can only be determined by a person's physician. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that occur in and outside of the anal canal. When the veins are swollen on the outside of the anal canal, they are known as external hemorrhoids. When they are on the inside of the canal, they are known as internal hemorrhoids.

The leading cause of hemorrhoids are too much pressure on the veins. It is known that diarrhea or constipation can lead to this strain and can cause hemorrhoids. Pregnancy is yet another cause of hemorrhoids, especially during the last few months of the pregnancy. Just being overweight is known to cause hemorrhoids as well.

The most common symptoms associated with hemorrhoids are bleeding, itching, and rectal pain.

If a person is experiencing hemorrhoids, they should see their doctor.

This is a common condition that usually is treated medically without the need for surgery.