Uncle Zhang, an energetic old man, usually likes to play tai chi and chess with his old friends, and has a good life. Recently, however, he encountered an embarrassing incident, which was that blood often dripped from the toilet, which made him worried.
One day, while communicating with old friends in the park, Uncle Zhang mentioned his troubles. An old friend told him: "It must be hemorrhoids, which I had when I was younger. Another friend said, "Don't jump to conclusions, I have a relative who is also in this situation, and it turns out that it is rectal cancer." ”
Uncle Zhang panicked when he heard this, and he didn't know what to do. When he got home, he decided to go to the hospital in order to find out the truth. With the help of the doctors, Uncle Zhang finally found the answer to his question.
Going to the toilet is always dripping blood, which is a problem that many people will encounter. A lot of people naturally think it's hemorrhoids, but is that really the case?
First, we want to understand the difference between hemorrhoids and rectal cancer. Hemorrhoids are lumps formed by the dilation of the venous plexus of the anus and rectum, and the main symptoms are pain in the anus, bleeding from the anus, and itching in the anus. Rectal cancer is a tumor formed by malignant transformation of rectal mucosal epithelial cells. Symptoms of rectal cancer include blood in the stool, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, etc.
So, how to tell if it is hemorrhoids or rectal cancer?
1. Characteristics of blood in the stool: hemorrhoidal bleeding is usually bright red, and the blood adheres to the surface of the stool or drips after the stool is finished, and the bleeding from rectal cancer is usually dark red, and the blood is mixed with the stool.
2. Pain level: Patients with hemorrhoids will have anal pain during defecation, especially when the stool is dry and hard, and rectal cancer patients will also have anal pain, but the pain is severe, sometimes radiating to the buttocks and waist.
3. Lump sensation: Patients with hemorrhoids can feel the lump near the anus, and patients with rectal cancer may also feel the lump near the anus, but the lump is hard and difficult to move.
4. Duration of symptoms: Hemorrhoids usually resolve after defecation, while rectal cancer symptoms last longer and gradually worsen.
In addition to hemorrhoids and rectal cancer, the following conditions can also cause blood in the stool:
1. Anal fissure: Anal fissure refers to a laceration of the skin at the junction of the anus and rectum, and the main symptoms are anal pain, constipation, and blood in the stool.
2. Colitis: Colitis is inflammation of the lining of the colon, which can lead to blood in the stool.
3. Polyps: Rectal or colon polyps can also cause blood in the stool.
4. Intestinal tumors: In addition to rectal cancer, intestinal tumors in other parts of the body can also cause blood in the stool.
5. Blood diseases: such as leukemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, etc.
So, what should we do with blood in the stool?
1. Stay calm: Don't panic, blood in your stool doesn't necessarily mean cancer.
2. Watch for symptoms: Pay attention to the color, shape, and duration of blood in your stool, consistent with your doctor's description.
3. Seek medical attention: Once blood in the stool appears, especially in the elderly, you should see a doctor in time so that the doctor can conduct a detailed examination.
4. Examination: Doctors usually perform a digital anal examination, anoscopy, and colonoscopy to determine the cause.
5. Treatment: Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will formulate a corresponding treatment plan.
Finally, let's go back to Uncle Chamber's story. On the doctor's advice, Uncle Zhang underwent a digital anal examination and colonoscopy. The results showed that he had hemorrhoids and mild proctitis. After treatment, Uncle Zhang's symptoms were relieved.
Through this story, we want to remind everyone: going to the toilet is always dripping blood, not necessarily hemorrhoids. In the face of blood in the stool, we should pay attention to it, seek medical attention in time, and find out the cause so as not to miss the best time for treatment. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain good living habits to prevent the occurrence of diseases.
While paying attention to blood in the stool, we should also pay attention to daily health care and prevention. Here are some tips to help you maintain your gut health:
1. Dietary modification: Increase the intake of dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, to help soften stools and reduce intestinal irritation. At the same time, drink plenty of water to keep your intestines lubricated.
2. Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity, especially levator ani exercise, can strengthen the anal sphincter and prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids.
3. Develop good bowel habits: Go to the toilet regularly to try to defecate, preferably at the same time every day, such as after meals, to cultivate regular bowel movements.
4. Avoid sitting for long periods of time: Avoid staying in the same position, especially sitting, for long periods of time to reduce pressure on your bowels.
5. Manage your weight: Maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity, as being overweight can increase the risk of hemorrhoids and rectal cancer.
6. Reduce stress: Learn to relax and reduce stress in life and work, as long-term mental stress may affect bowel function.
7. Regular check-ups: It is very important for the elderly to have regular check-ups, especially gut health check-ups.
8. Pay attention to personal hygiene: Keep the anal area clean, wash it with lukewarm water, and avoid using harsh soaps or shower gels.
With these simple health measures, we can effectively reduce the risk of disease and maintain intestinal health. Remember, prevention and early detection are key to staying healthy. Let's take action and take responsibility for our own health starting today.
Health is the eternal pursuit of human beings, and understanding health knowledge is the key to achieving this goal. We hope that through this article, we can help you better understand the relevant knowledge of blood in the stool and escort our health. Let's work together to create a better future!