Medical expert warns against self-diagnosing blood in stool

Gastroenterology specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammed Sait Dağ from Medical Point Gaziantep Hospital has issued a warning regarding blood in the stool, noting that patients often delay medical consultation due to hesitation.

While bright red bleeding is frequently attributed to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, Dr. Dağ emphasizes that patients should not self-diagnose based solely on the color or amount of blood. He warns that other serious conditions, such as intestinal polyps, inflammatory bowel diseases, infections, and various other intestinal issues, can also cause bleeding.

Medical professionals evaluate the nature of the bleeding alongside accompanying symptoms. Key indicators that require clinical assessment include changes in bowel habits, such as new-onset constipation or diarrhea, significant changes in stool shape, abdominal pain, excessive gas, and bloating.