Noticing blood in your stool can be alarming, but it’s more common than you might think. 

Whether it’s a few spots of bright red blood on toilet paper or darker stool that looks almost black, it’s a symptom you should never ignore.

Blood in stool can show up in different ways. Sometimes it’s bright red spots on toilet paper. Other times, your stool might look dark or almost black. Each of these can point to different causes, ranging from minor issues like hemorrhoids to more serious digestive problems that need medical attention.

We'll break down what different types of bleeding might mean, how doctors figure out what's causing it, and what information will be most helpful when you talk to your Summit Health provider. 

The goal is to help you feel more informed and less anxious about getting the care you need.

What Bright Red vs. Dark Stool Can Indicate

The color and appearance of blood can actually give doctors important clues about what's happening and where the bleeding is coming from.

• Bright red blood: When you see bright red blood, whether it's on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or on the outside of your stool, it usually means the bleeding is happening close to the exit. This often points to issues like hemorrhoids, small tears (called anal fissures), or irritation in the rectum. While these can be uncomfortable and concerning, they're often the most treatable causes.
• Dark red or maroon-colored stool: If your stool looks dark red or maroon, the bleeding is likely happening higher up in your digestive system, somewhere in your colon or small intestine. This could be from conditions like diverticulosis (small pouches in the colon wall), inflammatory bowel disease, or in some cases, colorectal issues that need more immediate attention.
• Black, tarry stool (melena): Black stool that looks sticky or tarry usually means bleeding from your upper digestive tract; your stomach or esophagus. This can happen with stomach ulcers, gastritis, or other upper GI problems. The blood turns black because it's been digested as it travels through your system.

While some causes are minor, certain symptoms mean you need medical care immediately. If you're experiencing blood along with severe abdominal pain, dizziness, fever, or your heart is racing, don't wait, seek emergency care.

How Summit Health Diagnoses and Manages GI Bleeding

When you visit Summit Health for blood in stool, your provider will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and recent diet or activities. This helps narrow down possible causes and determine the next steps.

Depending on your situation, diagnostic tools may include:

• Physical exam: A gentle rectal exam to check for hemorrhoids or fissures.
• Stool tests: To detect hidden blood, infections, or signs of inflammation.
• Blood tests: To check for anemia (low red blood cells) and signs of infection.
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy: These procedures use a thin tube with a camera to look inside your colon and identify the bleeding source.
• Advanced Gastrointestinal Interventional Endoscopy: If the bleeding might be coming from higher in the GI tract, this test examines your esophagus and stomach.

Treatment depends on the cause. 

Simple issues like hemorrhoids might just need dietary changes and over-the-counter treatments. More complex problems could require prescription medications, minor procedures to stop bleeding, or, in rare cases, surgery.

The team at Summit Health offers personalized, compassionate care to make sure you get the right diagnosis and treatment as quickly and comfortably as possible.

What to Tell Your Doctor About Your Symptoms

When discussing blood in your stool with your Summit Health provider, sharing detailed information can help with an accurate diagnosis. 

Be prepared to discuss:

• Timeline details: When did you first notice the blood in your stool? Has it happened once, a few times, or is it ongoing? Even approximate dates help your doctor understand the pattern.
• What it looks like: Describe the color and appearance as accurately as you can. Is it bright red blood on the tissue? Dark red mixed in with your stool? Black and tarry-looking? These details give important clues about where the bleeding might be coming from.
• Other symptoms: Let your doctor know about anything else you've noticed, like stomach pain, changes in your bathroom habits, unexplained weight loss, or feeling more tired than usual. Sometimes symptoms that seem unrelated are actually connected.
• Your health background: Share your personal and family medical history, especially anything related to digestive issues, bleeding problems, or colorectal cancer. This helps your doctor assess your risk factors.
• Recent changes: Think about anything different in your routine: new medications (especially blood thinners), changes in diet, or even things like straining during bowel movements. Sometimes the cause is simpler than you'd expect.

The more details you can provide, the better your provider can tailor your care. Remember, you’re not alone. Summit Health’s team is here to support you with expert evaluation and treatment.

Conclusion

Seeing blood in your stool is never something you want to deal with, and it's completely normal to feel worried about it. But here's what's important to remember: usually, there's a clear explanation and effective treatment available. 

Don't let fear or embarrassment keep you from getting the care you need. Healthcare providers see these symptoms regularly and know how to help you feel comfortable while getting to the bottom of what's happening.

At Summit Health, our experienced providers are ready to help you figure out what’s causing your symptoms and offer the right treatment. Don’t wait if you notice blood in your stool or have other digestive concerns.

Visit Summit Health today for expert, compassionate care. Your health and peace of mind are worth it.