“Is pooping blood an emergency?”
I am a 55 year old female. I want to know if Is pooping blood is an emergency?
2 Answers
Hi,
When a patient experiences blood during a bowel movement, the urgency or emergency would center around how much blood the person is passing, the patient’s current and prior medical history, symptoms they may be experiencing such as lightheadedness or dizziness, and what medications they may be taking. Blood per rectum, if profuse, may constitute a medical emergency and presentation to the ER such as with a GI bleed. There are times when hemorrhoids may bleed as well. If a patient is on blood thinners or anticoagulants, they may bleed profusely. If there are any concerns, your primary physician should be consulted or you may have to present to the nearest emergency room.
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
When a patient experiences blood during a bowel movement, the urgency or emergency would center around how much blood the person is passing, the patient’s current and prior medical history, symptoms they may be experiencing such as lightheadedness or dizziness, and what medications they may be taking. Blood per rectum, if profuse, may constitute a medical emergency and presentation to the ER such as with a GI bleed. There are times when hemorrhoids may bleed as well. If a patient is on blood thinners or anticoagulants, they may bleed profusely. If there are any concerns, your primary physician should be consulted or you may have to present to the nearest emergency room.
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
It can be. Depends on volume and other symptoms. Definitely need to be seen by a physician
