Lower Abdominal Pain and Blood in Stool: Possible Causes

Experiencing lower abdominal pain along with blood in the stool can be alarming and may indicate various underlying conditions. These symptoms should never be ignored, as they could signal serious health issues such as tumors, ischemic bowel disease, or inflammatory bowel disorders. Below are some potential causes to consider:

Tumors: In some cases, these symptoms may be linked to colorectal cancer, especially if the tumor is located closer to the rectum or sigmoid colon. A bleeding tumor can cause visible blood in the stool, while acute inflammation or blockage might lead to abdominal pain. This possibility becomes more significant for elderly patients who have experienced recent weight loss or a decrease in appetite over several months.

Ischemic Bowel Disease: This condition occurs when there's reduced blood flow to parts of the intestine, which can result in tissue damage or death of intestinal mucosa. Patients often suffer from severe abdominal pain accompanied by bloody stools. Diagnosis typically involves reviewing medical history, conducting physical exams, and using imaging techniques like ultrasound or CT scans to evaluate intestinal blood flow.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Chronic conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease involve widespread ulcers in the colon that can cause both rectal bleeding and abdominal discomfort. These diseases require long-term management and specialized care.

If you're experiencing persistent abdominal pain and notice blood in your stool, it's crucial to visit a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. An endoscopic examination can help identify specific gastrointestinal issues. However, if symptoms appear suddenly and severely, seeking immediate emergency care for evaluation with tests like an abdominal CT scan is strongly recommended.