Blood In Stools :
Blood in stools is one of the underlying symptoms of various conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, constipation, peptic ulcers and anal fissures are some of the common conditions that may cause rectal bleeding or blood in stools. The color of blood present in the stools may vary from bright red, darker red/maroon red to black, tarry stools based on the location of the underlying cause. For instance, bright red colored stools may indicate issues with colon or rectum where as the darker red may indicate concerns with small intestine or higher part of the colon. Some of the associated common symptoms with the presence of blood in stools include severe abdominal pain and constipation or diarrhea. If the blood in stools is not visible to the naked eye but can be observed under microscopic examination, it is called as occult bleeding which indicates colorectal cancer.