Stools, bloody
Alternative names:
blood in the stool; hematochezia; melena; stools - black or tarry
Home care:
Immediate medical management under the doctor's direction is required.
Call your health care provider if:
- any evidence of GI bleeding occurs.
- there is any change in the color of the stool. Don't rely on visual impressions; always test it or have it tested. Home kits can be purchased at the drugstore, or you can send a specimen to the doctor.
- there is blood in the stool. DO NOT take it lightly. Make an appointment to see the doctor right away.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting bloody or dark stools in detail may include: - quality
- Is there blood on the toilet paper only?
- Is there bright red blood in the stool (hematochezia)?
- Is there maroon colored stool?
- Are there black or tarry bowel movements (melena)?
- time pattern
- When did it develop?
- Is every stool this way?
- Has there been more than one episode (repeated)?
- aggravating and related factors
- Does bloody stool occur with menstruation?
- Have you ingested black licorice, lead, Pepto-Bismol, or blueberries?
- Have you eaten a lot of meat lately?
- other
The physical examination will probably include emphasis on the abdominal and rectal regions. If there is evidence of hypovolemic shock, vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) will be monitored and the patient observed closely; emergency treatment may be necessary.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to bloody or dark stools, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
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