129. Blood in the Stool

Blood in the stool can be an indication of serious pathology. A black stool is usually a result of bleeding in the upper GI tract. The cause could be an ulcer, Crohn's disease, colitis, or cancer, iron, bismuth, charcoal or a heavy meat diet. A red stool is usually the result of bleeding from the lower GI tract (hemorrhoid, fissures, colitis, cancer) or even beets.

If you are in doubt as to the cause of the bleeding, please refer to a gastroenterologist for further work-up and evaluation.


Reference: Weatherby, D. (2004). Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective. Jacksonville, OR: Bear Mountain Publishing.