Bloody stool may appear bright red, maroon, or black and tarry. This symptom, known medically as hematochezia or melena, indicates bleeding somewhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Normal stool is typically brown due to the breakdown of bile. When blood is present, the color and consistency often depend on the location of the bleeding. Bright red blood usually suggests bleeding in the lower GI tract, such as the colon or rectum. Conversely, dark, tarry stool (melena) often indicates bleeding in the upper GI tract, such as the stomach or esophagus, where blood has been digested.
Bloody stool can be caused by various conditions, ranging from mild irritations to serious medical issues. Common causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and peptic ulcers. It can also be a sign of colorectal polyps or cancer. Because the presence of blood in the stool indicates an abnormality in the digestive system, it requires a medical evaluation to determine the source.
A healthcare professional can identify the cause through diagnostic testing—such as a colonoscopy, endoscopy, or stool test—and recommend a targeted treatment plan.
The board-certified gastroenterologists at Charleston GI diagnose and treat a wide range of digestive conditions that may contribute to symptoms like bloody stool. Open five days a week with no referral needed, Charleston GI makes it easy to see a trusted specialist and take control of your digestive health.
In many cases, bloody stool is caused by benign conditions like hemorrhoids, but it can also indicate more serious issues within the digestive tract. A proper medical examination is necessary to determine the exact source of the bleeding. Common causes of blood in the stool may include:
Common Benign Causes
Hemorrhoids – swollen veins in rectum/anus; bright red blood, itching, discomfort
Anal fissures – small tears from hard stools; sharp pain, bright red blood
Medication Use: Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen, which can cause stomach ulcers.
Age: Increased risk for conditions like diverticulitis and colorectal cancer in older adults.
Previous Polyps: A history of growths in the colon or rectum.
Infections: Certain bacterial infections, like E. coli or Salmonella, can cause bloody diarrhea.
SYMPTOMS
The appearance of blood often occurs alongside other gastrointestinal changes. Symptoms to monitor include:
Color Variations: Bright red streaks on stool, maroon-colored movements, or black, sticky, tarry stools.
Abdominal Pain: Cramping or persistent discomfort in the mid-to-lower abdominal region.
Change in Bowel Habits: Sudden shifts in frequency, such as diarrhea or constipation.
Anal Pain: Sharp pain during or after bowel movements.
Faintness or Dizziness: Potential signs of significant blood loss or anemia.
Weight Loss: Unexplained dropping of weight associated with digestive changes.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Seek Medical Help Immediately If:
You see blood in your stool or black, tarry bowel movements
See a Doctor If Accompanied By:
Severe abdominal pain – persistent or intense cramping
Nausea or vomiting – especially if vomit looks like coffee grounds
Dizziness or lightheadedness – may indicate blood loss
High fever – could signal infection or inflammation
Fatigue or shortness of breath – possible anemia from bleeding
Changes in bowel habits – persistent diarrhea, constipation, or narrowed stool
A medical evaluation is important to rule out serious conditions. Specialists use diagnostic tests to identify the source of any problems and create a treatment plan to protect your digestive health.
If you have ongoing symptoms, do not ignore them. See a doctor promptly if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned. At Charleston GI, our team can evaluate, diagnose, and treat gastrointestinal conditions and diseases. No referral is needed, so you can schedule an appointment directly.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST
Your initial evaluation will include a review of your symptoms and medical history, along with a physical exam by a healthcare professional. Testing may include:
Chest pain or trouble breathing
(Call 911 or go to the ER immediately)
Is stool with blood serious?
Yes. Causes range from hemorrhoids to IBD, polyps, or cancer.
Persistent, heavy, or symptom-accompanied bleeding requires a doctor’s evaluation.
What can be mistaken for bloody stool?
Red foods: beets, cranberries, tomatoes, red gelatin, watermelon
Dark foods: blueberries, black licorice, chocolate, dark leafy greens
Medications/supplements: iron, Pepto-Bismol, some antibiotics
What does cancerous blood in the stool look like?
Lower colon/rectum: bright red streaks
Higher colon/stomach: dark red, maroon, or black/tarry
May appear mixed in stool, on toilet paper, or invisible (occult)
Persistent blood or bowel changes require medical evaluation
How long is too long for bloody stool?
Any blood warrants a doctor’s visit
Concerning if it lasts >2 days, is heavy, or comes with pain, fever, weakness, or bowel changes
Even small persistent amounts for 1–2 weeks need evaluation
How do I tell if my colon is bleeding?
Bright red blood coating stool
Dark blood mixed with stool
Black or tarry stool
Bright red blood or coffee-ground vomit
Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
Can colon bleeding stop on its own?
Sometimes yes, but treatment depends on the source
May require medication or a procedure
How to tell the difference between hemorrhoid bleeding and colon bleeding?
Hemorrhoids: bright red, on toilet paper or stool surface, usually painless
Colon: darker/tarry, mixed in stool, persistent, with bowel changes, abdominal discomfort, or weight loss
Do hemorrhoids bleed a lot?
Normal: a few drops of bright red blood
Heavy or dark blood may indicate another problem → see a doctor
Is it okay to poop with a bleeding hemorrhoid?
Yes, it’s generally safe
Avoid straining, keep bathroom trips short, use soft wipes
Seek medical help if bleeding is heavy, dark, persistent >1 week, or painful
SCHEDULE YOUR GI APPOINTMENT TODAY, NO REFERRAL NEEDED
To learn more about treatment for GI tract issues in Charleston, SC, get in touch today! Charleston Gastroenterology is committed to a higher standard of caring – and we provide a range of medical treatments to help you feel your best.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace evaluation or care from a licensed healthcare provider. Screening recommendations and results vary by individual. Viewing this page does not create a doctor-patient relationship.
To learn more about treatment for GI tract issues in Charleston, SC, get in touch today! Charleston Gastroenterology is committed to a higher standard of caring – and we provide a range of medical treatments to help you feel your best.
