Differential Diagnosis for Bright Red Streaks in Poop
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hemorrhoids: Bright red streaks in poop are often associated with hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the lowest part of the rectum or anus. The bright red color indicates that the blood is coming from the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Anal Fissure: A tear in the lining of the anus can cause bright red bleeding during or after bowel movements.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula (small pouches) in the wall of the colon can cause bright red or maroon blood in the stool.
- Colon Polyps: Polyps in the colon can bleed, causing bright red or dark blood in the stool.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding from a Vascular Malformation or Tumor: Although less common, bleeding from a vascular malformation or tumor in the lower GI tract can be life-threatening and requires prompt evaluation.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can cause rectal bleeding, and it's crucial to diagnose and manage them to prevent complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Angiodysplasia: A rare condition characterized by abnormal blood vessels in the colon, which can cause bleeding.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into another part, which can cause bowel obstruction and bleeding.
- Colonic Varices: Enlarged veins in the colon, often associated with liver disease, can cause bleeding.