Hematochezia

Hematochezia is the presence of fresh, red blood in the stool. It is a symptom of a digestive problem and can be caused by a variety of conditions including hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and other gastrointestinal ailments. The amount of blood can range from a few drops to a large amount, and can be accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The presence of blood in the stool may indicate a more serious problem, such as a tear in the intestine or colon cancer, and should be evaluated by a physician. Diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the hematochezia. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.