Health Tip: If You Notice Blood in the Stools

It should be checked by a doctor

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(HealthDay News) -- Bloody stools can indicate an internal injury or abnormality. A doctor should evaluate the condition without delay.

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The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests these possible causes of blood in the stools:

• An abnormality in the blood vessels, or an esophageal tear.
• An ulcer in the duodenum, gastritis, or bleeding in the stomach.
• Insufficient blood flow to the intestines.
• An injury or object lodged in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Anal fissures, colon cancer or polyps in the colon.
• Hemorrhoids.
• Diverticulosis or inflammatory bowel disease.
• An infection in the intestines.
• A tumor in the small bowel.

-- Diana Kohnle