What causes blood in a loose stools?

Blood in loose stools can have several causes:

1. Anal Fissures: Anal fissures are small tears in the skin around the anus. They can occur due to constipation, prolonged diarrhea, or straining during bowel movements. Bright red blood streaks on toilet paper or in the stool are common symptoms of anal fissures.

2. Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen and enlarged veins in the rectum and anus. Straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, or pregnancy can cause hemorrhoids to bleed. The blood from hemorrhoids is usually bright red and may drip into the toilet bowl or be visible on toilet paper.

3. Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum. It causes inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the colon, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. The blood in ulcerative colitis is usually mixed with mucus and can be dark red or maroon in color.

4. Diverticular Disease: Diverticular disease occurs when small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon. These pouches can become inflamed or infected, leading to bleeding. The blood from diverticular disease is usually bright red and may be mixed with stool.

5. Infectious Colitis: Infections of the colon, such as bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella, Shigella, E.coli) or protozoal infections (e.g., Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica), can cause inflammation and bleeding. The blood from infectious colitis is usually mixed with loose stools and may be accompanied by other symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, and nausea.

6. Colorectal Cancer: In some cases, blood in loose stools can be a sign of colorectal cancer. However, it's important to note that blood in the stool does not always indicate cancer. Other symptoms, such as persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal pain, may accompany blood in the stool in cases of colorectal cancer.

If you notice blood in your loose stools, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. They can assess your symptoms, perform necessary tests, and determine the underlying cause of the bleeding. In some cases, additional investigations like colonoscopy, stool analysis, or imaging studies may be needed for an accurate diagnosis.