| Symptoms Description |
Bright red blood in stool (hematochezia), dark tarry stools (melena), abdominal pain, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, anemia symptoms, occult blood in stool. May be acute or chronic.
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| Diagnosis |
Fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (EGD), capsule endoscopy, CT angiography, blood tests (CBC, coagulation profile), stool studies
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| Conventional Treatment |
Fluid resuscitation, blood transfusion if significant blood loss, endoscopic hemostasis (clipping, cauterization), angiographic embolization, surgical intervention for severe cases, treat underlying cause (e.g., PPI for ulcers, antibiotics for infection, anti-inflammatory for IBD)
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| Herbal Treatment |
Demulcent and astringent herbs such as Althaea officinalis (marshmallow root), Filipendula ulmaria (meadowsweet), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Geranium maculatum (cranesbill), Agrimonia eupatoria (agrimony). In TCM: herbs that cool blood and stop bleeding such as San Qi (Panax notoginseng), Bai Ji (Bletilla striata). Ayurvedic: Bol (Commiphora myrrha), Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica). Use under professional supervision only.
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| Prevention |
Manage underlying conditions (IBD, ulcers, diverticulosis), high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, avoid NSAIDs and excessive alcohol, regular colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy), smoking cessation
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| Prognosis |
Depends on underlying cause and severity; excellent with prompt treatment for most benign causes; poorer with malignancy or massive hemorrhage
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