Answer:

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon lining, stemming from various causes. Common causes include bacterial or parasitic infections, medication use, ischemic colitis, or chronic inflammatory bowel disease. In some cases, the cause remains undetermined.

The symptoms and severity of colitis vary, depending on the cause and the extent of colon lining damage. Fresh blood in the stool may occur when inflammation worsens, causing the colon lining to become engorged, eroded, or ulcerated, leading to bleeding.

Doctor Oanh consulting a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

This symptom is often accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, tenesmus, or incomplete defecation. The amount of bleeding can vary, from small streaks to larger quantities in severe cases.

Individuals with colitis may also experience lower gastrointestinal bleeding from other causes, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, colorectal polyps, colonic diverticula, proctitis, or gastrointestinal vascular malformations. Moreover, middle-aged and elderly individuals with a family history of colon cancer who notice blood in their stool require careful evaluation to exclude precancerous lesions or colorectal cancer.

It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a comprehensive examination. The doctor may order necessary tests, such as blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy, or abdominal computed tomography (abdominal MSCT), to assess the extent of damage, identify complications, and determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Master, Doctor Nguyen Hoang Oanh

Department of Internal Gastroenterology

Tam Anh General Clinic District 7