Blood In Stool Specialist
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Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC
Indran B. Indrakrishnan , MD
Gastroenterology located in Lawrenceville, GA
While finding blood in your stool isn’t usually serious, it can be a sign of something that is. For peace of mind, seek the expert guidance of gastroenterologist Indran Indrakrishnan, MD, at Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC in Lawrenceville, Georgia. With the latest diagnostic tools, Dr. Indrakrishnan can help you find out why blood is showing up in your stool. For more information, book an appointment online or over the phone.
Blood in Stool Q & A
What are the common causes of blood in stool?
If you find blood in your stool or on toilet paper, there’s usually no cause for immediate alarm. More often than not, it’s a minor problem that resolves itself quickly. If the blood in your stool is persistent, however, you should seek medical intervention at Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC to see if something more serious might be the cause, such as:
- Diverticulitis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Peptic ulcers
- Crohn’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Esophageal issues
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Polyps
Again, most problems stem from openings that develop when you pass a hard stool, and these problems usually heal fairly quickly. But if your stool is black and tarry, which means it’s passed through your digestive tract, you should make an appointment with Dr. Indrakrishnan.
How is blood in my stool diagnosed?
When you first come in, Dr. Indrakrishnan sits down with you to review your symptoms and your medical history. He will also take a sample of your stool for analysis. If he needs to examine you more closely, he may recommend one of two procedures:
Colonoscopy
During a colonoscopy, Dr. Indrakrishnan inserts a small, flexible tube with a lighted camera on the end into your anus. He then threads it into your colon. This allows him to check the inside of your large intestine and walls of your rectum for signs of trouble.
Endoscopy
During this procedure, Dr. Indrakrishnan inserts a flexible, lighted instrument through your mouth in order to obtain a view of your esophagus, stomach, and top of your small intestine.
These two minimally invasive diagnostic procedures are critical in seeing if the blood in your stool comes from a problem somewhere in your digestive tract. If it does, it will require medical attention.
What are the treatments for bloody stool?
The answer to this question depends on what Dr. Indrakrishnan finds during his evaluation. If he rules out a serious issue, he may request that you continue to monitor your stool. If Dr. Indrakrishnan finds a more serious problem, he will work to quickly treat the issue.
If you’re concerned about blood in your stool, call Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC or book an appointment online.
