Bloody bowel movements are a serious condition characterized by the release of blood during defecation. Don't underestimate this symptom, because it could be an indication of bleeding in the digestive tract. It is important to recognize the various causes and how to treat them so that you can immediately take the right steps.
Come on, find out the causes and how to deal with bloody bowel movements in the following article.
Causes of Bleeding When Defecating
The causes of bloody bowel movements are generally related to bleeding in the digestive tract, including the stomach and large intestine. Various health conditions can trigger bloody bowel movements, including:
1. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, better known by the public as hemorrhoids, are a serious medical condition and often interfere with the sufferer's quality of life. This disease occurs when the blood vessels in the anal area experience swelling and excessive pressure, which can cause the blood vessels to burst.
As a result, bleeding may occur, and blood may be visible in the stool. According to research, the prevalence of hemorrhoids increases with age, and it is estimated that around 50% of the population experiences hemorrhoid symptoms by the age of 50 years. This shows that hemorrhoids are not only an individual health problem, but also a public health challenge that needs attention.
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2. Fissure Ani
One of the common causes of bloody bowel movements is crack years. Anal fissures occur when the skin tissue around the anus is torn or damaged, often caused by passing large, hard stools.
When someone experiences this condition, the doctor usually finds a small tear or lump around the anus. Data shows that anal fissures are more common in individuals who experience chronic constipation, which can worsen the condition and cause significant pain during bowel movements. Therefore, understanding anal fissures is important to prevent further complications.
3. Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is another condition that can cause blood in the stool. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the walls of the large intestine, where small sacs form. Although many cases of diverticulitis have no symptoms, sometimes the condition can cause bleeding.
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Someone who is at risk of developing diverticulitis is an individual who rarely consumes it fiber rich foods, such as fruit and vegetables. This emphasizes the importance of a healthy and balanced diet in maintaining digestive health and preventing more serious conditions.
4. Gastric Ulcers
Gastric ulcers are another condition that can cause bloody stools. This disease is characterized by the appearance of sores in the stomach, which are often accompanied by symptoms such as: stomach, bloating, and pain in the stomach. Damage to the gastric mucus layer causes stomach acid to directly contact the stomach tissue, causing injury.
When stomach tissue is injured, the food processed in it can become contaminated with blood, which can then be seen in the feces. Proper treatment of gastric ulcers is very important to prevent further complications, including more serious bleeding.
5. Angiodisplasia
Angiodysplasia is another condition that can cause bloody stools. This disorder involves fragile blood vessels in the digestive tract, often occurring in the colon. When these blood vessels rupture, they can cause significant bleeding.
Data show that angiodysplasia is more common in older individuals, and is often difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms. Therefore, a better understanding of angiodysplasia is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
6. Colitis
Intestinal inflammation such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease is a type of autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and irritation of the intestines. Infections that occur due to bacteria or germs can worsen this condition, resulting in injury to the intestinal wall and bleeding.
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In a study showing that the prevalence of colitis is increasing in many countries, and appropriate management is essential to prevent serious complications. Awareness of the symptoms of colitis is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Overcome Bleeding BAB
Bloody stools are a condition that can cause worry and discomfort. Various factors can be the cause, so the right treatment approach relies heavily on an accurate diagnosis. Here are the steps you can take to generally resolve this issue:
1. Home Remedies
Home remedies are often an effective first step, especially for mild cases of bloody stools. If hemorrhoids are the cause, a warm bath can help relieve pain and discomfort. Using creams that are available without a prescription or prescribed by a doctor can also reduce irritation.
If anal fissures due to constipation are the cause, treating constipation is a priority to support healing of the fissure. Some simple steps you can take to prevent bloody bowel movements include:
- Eat foods high in fiber, such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
- Do regular exercise to keep the digestive system running smoothly.
- Keep the anal area clean to prevent irritation.
- Ensure that the body remains well hydrated, so that the stool is not hard.
2. Medical Treatment
If home remedies do not work, medical treatment may be necessary. If hemorrhoids are the cause, doctors can use various methods to stop the bleeding.
Endoscopic procedures are often used to inject medication into the bleeding site or use electric current or lasers to treat the source of the bleeding. In more serious cases, angiography may be performed to inject medication directly into the involved blood vessels.
Medical treatment also varies depending on the underlying cause. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infection with H. pylori or anti-inflammatory drugs for colitis. In some situations, surgery is necessary to remove polyps or parts of the colon damaged by cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
If an anal fissure is the cause, usually this condition can heal by itself. However, if there is a risk of infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent further complications.
Watch Full Explanation about “5 Causes of BAB accompanied by Blood” in the following video.
Foods that can cause bloody bowel movements
When talking about digestive health, it is important to understand that some types of food can worsen or even trigger symptoms of conditions that can cause bloody bowel movements.
Here are some types of food that should be avoided:
1. Spicy Food
Spicy foods, especially those containing chilies, can trigger serious digestive problems for some people. Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, can stimulate the stomach and intestines.
Excessive consumption of very spicy foods, such as chili sauce or Asian dishes rich in spices, can cause bloating, gas, and even intestinal irritation. In extreme cases, injury to the intestinal wall can occur, potentially causing bloody stools.
2. Foods High in Gluten
For individuals suffering from celiac disease, gluten-containing foods such as bread, pasta, and other wheat products can be especially dangerous. Gluten, which is a protein in wheat, can trigger inflammation in the intestines, damage the intestinal walls, and cause symptoms such as bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps. Therefore, it is important for sufferers of this disease to avoid consuming gluten so that digestive health is maintained.
3. Cow's Milk Products
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt contain lactose, which can be problematic for lactose intolerant individuals. When they consume these products, the body cannot digest lactose properly, which can result in symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and even bloody stools.
For example, someone who is lactose intolerant may experience this reaction after enjoying ice cream. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to your intake of dairy products and consider low-lactose alternatives.
4. Sweet Foods
Excessive consumption of foods high in sugar can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the intestines and cause digestive problems, including bloody stools. Although sugar is an important source of energy, excessive intake can create an unhealthy environment for gut bacteria, trigger inflammation, and disrupt the digestive process. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balance in sugar consumption in your daily diet.
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5. Foods Containing Fructose
Excessive fructose in the diet can cause digestive disorders and has the potential to trigger diarrhea or bloody stools. For example, excessive consumption of fruit juices rich in fructose can irritate the intestines and trigger unwanted reactions.
In addition, processed foods containing high fructose corn syrup can also cause digestive problems if consumed in excess. Therefore, it is important to regulate fructose intake to keep it within reasonable limits.
6. Processed Meat
Processed meats such as sausages, bacon and ham often contain preservatives such as sodium nitrate and nitrites. Consuming excessive amounts of processed meat can cause irritation of the intestinal walls and has the potential to result in bloody bowel movements. Additionally, processing processes involving excessive salt can cause water retention and disrupt electrolyte balance, which in turn can affect digestive health.
7. Fast Food
Fast food, which is generally high in saturated fat, salt and added sugar, is also a cause of digestive problems. These foods tend to be low in fiber and other important nutrients.
So consuming too much can disrupt the balance of intestinal bacteria and cause irritation to the digestive tract. Some individuals may experience severe constipation or diarrhea from fast food, which in some cases can be associated with bloody stools.
That's an explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatment of bloody stools that you need to know. If you experience symptoms of bloody stools, it is highly recommended to immediately consult a doctor, especially if these symptoms have persisted for a long time. Quick action can help identify underlying health problems and prevent further complications.
Reference:
https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/bab-berdarah
https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/jangan-panik-ini-cara-mengatasi-bab-berdarah
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