Seek care urgently if you have any of these
- Dark or black tarry stool
- Blood mixed through the stool rather than on the surface
- Unintended weight loss
- A change in bowel habit lasting over 3 weeks
- Anaemia or persistent tiredness
- New symptoms over the age of 45
- Family history of bowel cancer
If any of the above applies, do not wait for an appointment — go to the nearest emergency department.
Not sure how serious it is?
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What does it look like?
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What usually causes this
Haemorrhoids (piles)
The most common cause. Bright red blood, often with itching or a lump.
Anal fissure
A small tear causing sharp pain during and after passing stool.
Infection
Some gastrointestinal infections cause bloody diarrhoea, usually with fever.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Ongoing bloody diarrhoea with weight loss or abdominal pain.
Colorectal cancer
Less common, and the reason age and pattern change how urgently this is assessed.
What we would check
Faecal Occult BloodDetects blood not visible to the eye Full Blood CountEstablishes whether the bleeding has caused anaemia Doctor's AssessmentExamination to identify the source and decide on referralOther symptoms people ask about
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. It cannot replace being examined. All visits to Mascot Healthcare are by appointment — Mon–Sat, 9AM–5PM, 52 Sholanke Street, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.