HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Does Blood In The Stool Indicate In An Elderly?

default
Posted on Tue, 26 Sep 2017
Question: Hi, My father is 80 years old and has blood in the stool and a low red blood cell count. He's in good general physical condition, except for Alzheimer's. He's on medication for cholesterol, thyroid and an anti-depressant and I believe also a blood thinner. What could be the most likely causes?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Advice to undergo colonoscopy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM

Blood in stools can due to several reasons including Hemorrhoids, Angiodysplasia (vascular malformation), Diverticulosis, polyps or colon cancer.
Most concerning issue here is colon carcinoma, especially in older men.
Rectal examination, stool analysis, and colonoscopy are recommended at this point.
Since your father is already admitted, please inform his treating physician regarding the bleeding per rectum to undergo further evaluation.
I also recommend getting his Hemoglobin levels checked and to assess the need for blood transfusion.

Hope this answers your questions
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3808 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Doctor Now
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Does Blood In The Stool Indicate In An Elderly?

Brief Answer: Advice to undergo colonoscopy Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for trusting HCM Blood in stools can due to several reasons including Hemorrhoids, Angiodysplasia (vascular malformation), Diverticulosis, polyps or colon cancer. Most concerning issue here is colon carcinoma, especially in older men. Rectal examination, stool analysis, and colonoscopy are recommended at this point. Since your father is already admitted, please inform his treating physician regarding the bleeding per rectum to undergo further evaluation. I also recommend getting his Hemoglobin levels checked and to assess the need for blood transfusion. Hope this answers your questions Please address further questions here Regards Dr.Lekshmi