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What Causes Blood In Stool?
Question: I have a niece that has been taking xanax, and a stomach relaxer that sooth carafate 4 times daily for her stomach because of ulcers and possible polyps to be determined and suspected of having this in her intestinal tract as well. She is schedule to see a gastroscopy and colonoscopy specialist on May 19 to have a more definitive diagnosis. However, she has been recently taking Excedrin for her headache. She has taken omeprazol 1 capsule twice a day, Xanax 2.5 mg capsule or tablet a night for anxiety which she did not take last night. Last night she was bleeding blood while releasing a stool in the toilet. Her consumption of 2 margaritas increase her stomach acids and inflamed her ulcers other inflamed pockets of the lining of her stomach. She is talking about calling her primary care doctor tomorrow but concern is that by the time she schedule an appointment which more than likely be at a later time, more than likely not the same day or next day. When should she go to urgent care or the Emergency Room to determine the significance of her bleeding in stomach and lining of intestinal tract. Should she wait until she sees blood in her stool a second time or third time or forth time. She has been seeking treatment for her addiction to crystal meth but due to her treatment from hypnotherapist she has not been doing drugs like this or of any kind for 18 days Her drinking of 2 margaritas has been all that she has consumed as well as prescribed medications just mentioned above of which she did not consume at all last night after noticing blood in her stool. Let us know what should we do?
Brief Answer:
Some information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I read your question and your daughter should definitely contact her doctor. Regarding when - if it was a lot of blood, or if she is having light headedness, weakness, or a rapid heart rate, then she should go in to the ER to be seen. Otherwise she can contact her doctor tomorrow.
If there is bleeding from the stomach, it usually makes the stools look black and tarry because the stomach acid changes the blood to this appearance. However, if it is a brisk bleed from the stomach, then there might not be enough time for the acid to change the appearance of the blood and it can show up in the stool as bright red blood and there would be a lot of it.
If bleeding is from lower down in the gastrointestinal tract, then it will be bright red and mixed in with the stool. If a brisk bleed, it might show up in the toilet water too.
If bleeding is from a rectal fissure or hemorrhoids, then blood might be on the tissue rather than mixed in with the stool.
I am concerned not just about the alcohol, but also about the Excedrin as it contains aspirin which can be a stomach irritant. Her doctor may want to prescribe her a less irritating alternative with a lower risk of GI bleeding.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Some information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I read your question and your daughter should definitely contact her doctor. Regarding when - if it was a lot of blood, or if she is having light headedness, weakness, or a rapid heart rate, then she should go in to the ER to be seen. Otherwise she can contact her doctor tomorrow.
If there is bleeding from the stomach, it usually makes the stools look black and tarry because the stomach acid changes the blood to this appearance. However, if it is a brisk bleed from the stomach, then there might not be enough time for the acid to change the appearance of the blood and it can show up in the stool as bright red blood and there would be a lot of it.
If bleeding is from lower down in the gastrointestinal tract, then it will be bright red and mixed in with the stool. If a brisk bleed, it might show up in the toilet water too.
If bleeding is from a rectal fissure or hemorrhoids, then blood might be on the tissue rather than mixed in with the stool.
I am concerned not just about the alcohol, but also about the Excedrin as it contains aspirin which can be a stomach irritant. Her doctor may want to prescribe her a less irritating alternative with a lower risk of GI bleeding.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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