Blood In Diarrhea Is A Serious Medical Situation

Few things are more alarming than seeing blood after going to the bathroom. When it accompanies loose, watery bowel movements, the situation is potentially critical, and should never be ignored. Blood in diarrhea can be the result of a chronic but non-fatal disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome, or the result of a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection.

Reactions to food can sometimes result in gastric bleeding, and may be triggered by lactose sensitivity, or from consuming certain sugar substitutes. Medicines containing magnesium also can be the cause. There is a very important distinction, however, between localized intestinal tract issues such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures, and those which may be the result of harboring an invasive organism.

The most commonly occurring severe diarrhea is viral gastroenteritis. When that type of infection occurs, the stool does not normally contain blood, and the symptoms usually disappear after a couple of day. Of much greater concern are those cases involving bleeding related to the consumption of contaminated foods, or due to exposure to bacterial pathogens common in some parts of the world.

They are considered especially serious because the amount of lost fluid can be considerable, and when accompanied by acute dehydration may be deadly. Contracting an intestinal illness through contaminated food is a risk for everyone. Cases of widespread food poisoning occur each year, and the primary sources vary. While some cases have resulted in death, most respond to medical treatment, but all are potentially severe.

The Campylobacter jejuni organism spreads from animal feces to humans, or through the consumption of raw meat or contaminated water. The effects of this type of poisoning last up to a week, and a bloody discharge is characteristic. Shigella is another organism spread by flies and unclean drinking water, and the toxins it produces attack the lining of the intestines, often causing ulcers and bleeding.

Shigella infections are considered to be a type of dysentery, and parts of the world where human excrement is still used as a fertilizer, amoebic dysentery is still a major problem. These creatures invade the intestinal walls, causing pain, fever, and bloody feces. They can move to other areas of the body such as the brain and liver, where they may produce abscesses.

While there are no vaccines for these conditions, several are being tested. Parasitic diseases such as Giardia Lamblia, the Norwalk Virus, and Entamoeba Histolytica may also cause intestinal bleeding, and are easily spread. One of the best defenses is the availability of clean water and soap for hand washing. Large human groups such as refugee camps that lack fundamental sewage treatment often benefit greatly from the most basic sanitary facilities.

Other causes of blood in diarrhea may be related to cancerous or precancerous conditions, and may originate at any point in the gastrointestinal tract. No matter the suspected source of trouble, see a doctor as soon as possible. Whether caused by an organism or a more localized specific problem, this is one medical issue that should never be taken lightly. Left untreated, it can lead to anemia, serious dehydration, shock, and even kidney failure.

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