A change in stool color can cause a lot of stress when you don’t know why it is happening. Common reasons for a change in stool color include foods and supplements. In the case of red stools or black stools, it could indicate that there is bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. It can be a sign of a serious condition such as colon cancer, but can be an indication of a relatively common problem like hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in your anus and lower rectum. If you think you are suffering from hemorrhoids and are seeking a hemorrhoid expert in Los Angeles, by scheduling an appointment at the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence, our hemorrhoid doctors can help diagnose your condition.
The Causes of Red Stool
Red or maroon colored stool due to the presence of blood is called “hematochezia.” The brighter color of the blood indicates that it may be coming from a source in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Causes of blood in the stool can include:
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Colon polyps or colon cancer
- Diverticular bleeding
- Inflammatory bowel disease
The most common cause of red bloody stools is hemorrhoids. You’ll often spot it on toilet tissue when using the bathroom. Hemorrhoids are not usually serious, and can often be treated effectively. In the instance, that the hemorrhoids won’t heal and become severe, seeing a hemorrhoid doctor in Los Angeles at the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence is your best option.
The Importance of Seeing a Hemorrhoid Specialist in Los Angeles
A doctor can investigate blood in the stool to rule out potentially serious conditions and if hemorrhoids are the culprit and are severe, your doctor can refer you to a colorectal surgeon to provide hemorrhoid treatment.
Blood in the stool may not always be the result of a serious or chronic condition, but it should always be checked by a physician. Any change in bowel habits, such as color, odor, frequency, or consistency (constipation or diarrhea) that does not clear up within a few days is reason to make an appointment. In the event that you’re suffering from hemorrhoids, your doctor can refer you to a hemorrhoid specialist in Los Angeles so you can receive effective treatment to cure your hemorrhoids and prevent future occurrences.
Hemorrhoid Treatment Options
When hemorrhoids become persistent, severe or fail to heal – the following treatment may be necessary:
- Clot removal. A small incision is made and the clot is lifted out.
- Rubber band ligation. Used primarily for internal hemorrhoids, a small rubber band is positioned around the hemorrhoid, which effectively cuts off its blood supply.
- Sclerotherapy (injection therapy). A hardening agent is injected into the hemorrhoid, resulting in a loss of circulation that causes the hemorrhoid to shrivel.
- Infrared coagulation. Infrared light is aimed at the base of the hemorrhoid, causing it to clot, then shrivel, and finally recede.
- Hemorrhoidectomy. The hemorrhoid (the tissue that is bleeding or protruding from the anus) is surgically removed under local anesthesia.
Contact A Hemorrhoid Doctor in Los Angeles
If you think you may be suffering from internal or external hemorrhoids, feel free to contact the board-certified colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists at the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence for a consultation. We can be reached at (888) 742-2032 or by filling out our online contact form.