Blood In Stool Specialist
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Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC
Oforbuike Ewelukwa, MD, MSc
Gastroenterologist located in Katy, TX
Blood in the stool occurs in 15 out of every 1,000 Americans over the age of 34. If you notice blood in your stool or on the toilet paper, it’s time to see the gastroenterology professionals at Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC. Board-certified doctor Oforbuike Ewelukwa, MD, MSc, partners with you to find the cause of your rectal bleeding, and then supports you in making the best decisions for your health. If you have blood in your stool, call the Katy, Texas, office or click on the scheduling link now.
Blood in Stool Q & A
What does blood in stool look like?
Blood can appear as red spots or streaks in your stool. It can also look very dark or even black, with an appearance similar to coffee grounds or tar. Blood can also appear on toilet paper when you wipe, or it may discolor the water in the toilet bowl.
What causes blood in stool?
There are many possible reasons for rectal bleeding, but some of the most common reasons you may have blood in your stool are:
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Peptic ulcers
- Colon polyps
- Colon cancer
Because there are a number of possible reasons for blood in stool — some of them quite serious — it's important to book an evaluation at Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC promptly.
How do you find the cause of blood in stool?
You have a rectal exam along with a medical history review to start. This physical exam may reveal problems like hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
You may need a minimally invasive procedure to determine exactly why you're bleeding. The specific type of diagnostic procedure you need may depend on the particular type of blood in your stool. In general, bright-red blood usually indicates a lower GI issue, while black, tarry stool typically comes from your upper GI organs.
For suspected colon problems, you may need a colonoscopy, a procedure that the team uses to view your whole colon and rectum from within. For suspected upper GI problems, you may need an endoscopy, which covers the upper part of your digestive tract.
With both colonoscopies and endoscopies, the team can sometimes treat problems as they discover them during the exam. For example, if they discover colon polyps are the likely reason for your rectal bleeding, they can usually remove the growths on the spot.
How is blood in stool treated?
Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC customizes treatments for blood in stool according to your condition or disease. Your treatment may include habit changes, medication, in-office procedures, or in cases of severe disease, surgery.
After your successful treatment, the team can help you make changes that may prevent blood in stool recurrence.
If you're struggling with blood in the stool or other GI tract issues like abdominal pain, acid reflux, or constipation, reach out to Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC by phone or through the online appointment maker to arrange your exam now.
