Blood in Stool: A Common Symptom of Ulcerative Colitis

Blood in stool is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis, though it rarely happens with every bowel movement, and can have multiple causes. When you notice blood in stool, it can be incredibly alarming, especially if you've never seen it before or have no idea why it might be happening. Fortunately, however, such a condition is rarely cause for serious alarm.

Of course, knowing this and dealing with the situation are two different things. I first noticed blood in my stool when I was in high school, and it scared me to death. I was certain that something was seriously wrong with me, but I was too scared to go to the school nurse or to discuss the problem with my parents. At the time, I didn't know I had ulcerative colitis and I only knew that this wasn't normal. I'd imagine that most people have similar reactions to blood in stool.

When you have a disease like ulcerative colitis, your bowels take a serious daily beating. Not only are ulcers forming on the lining of your colon and rectum, but you're probably producing a large amount of diarrhea during serious flare-ups. The ulcers bleed and form pus, which can be the cause of blood in stool, and usually occurs in waves as the disease progresses. In other words, you might find blood in stool for two days straight, then not have any at all for several weeks.

In most cases, blood in stool from ulcerative colitis will be thick and dark, and sometimes unnoticeable unless you are studying your bowel movements closely. It is frequently accompanied by mucus in the stool, which might be either white or yellow, and this is usually what catches patients' attention. Unless you notice copious amounts of blood in stool, there is no reason to panic, although it might be accompanied by severe pain and nausea.

Ulcerative colitis sufferers might also find blood in stool from rectal bleeding, which is caused by frequent bowel movements. Diarrhea is an unpleasant but unavoidable symptom of ulcerative colitis, sometimes resulting in dehydration, and the rectum is not able to sustain the consistent passing of waste without tearing or ulcerating. This is also not cause for serious concern, as the tissue will repair itself, but you should mention such bleeding to your doctor.

Unlike bleeding from ulcers, rectal blood in stool will probably be brighter and thinner, unless it is caused by rectal ulcers. You might also notice spotting of blood in your underwear when you are not in the restroom, and this is more embarrassing than anything else. You can talk to your doctor about ways to staunch the flow of diarrhea during ulcerative colitis flare-ups, but other than that, there is not much you can do.

Once you have begun a consistent treatment regimen for ulcerative colitis, you will likely notice that blood in stool occurs less frequently. Scar tissue will begin to develop in your colon and rectum, making the tissue less susceptible to damage, and you may experience fewer flare-ups as the treatment program runs its course.

However, a significant amount of blood in stool, or a sudden increase in the amount of blood, may be cause for concern. Your best bet is to discuss the situation with your doctor and to ask about possible remedies for this condition, including the exploration of other causes. Unfortunately, ulcerative colitis can lead to other disorders and diseases where blood in stool can be a more serious symptom.