Can Hemorrhoids Cause Occult Blood In Stool?

Posted on Tue, 15 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 Answered on

Wed, 6 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
A week ago I had a rectal bleeding. I was examined by my primary care physician and was diagnosed with hemorrhoids.
I had an active bleeding that day. My doctor advised to test the stool for occult blood. I had the test while my hemorrhoids were bleeding. The test was positive for occult blood.
Since then the bleeding has stopped. I had another test which was negative.
I have a few questions:
Can actively bleeding hemorrhoids affect occult blood test?
Is colonoscopy needed? (I'm not experiencing any other symptoms and my hemoglobin is completely fine).

Best regards, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Conservative management would be best for you.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for choosing HelathcareMagic for your query.
Have gone through your questions and i appreciate your concerns.
As per query answers are-
No active bleeding does not have any effevt on test.In fact that test is done to confirm whether the color of stool is due to blood or any other contamination.
So don't worry active bleed does not cause variation.
Difference in two test was because-
Hemorrhoid in physiological state act as a cushion composed of arterio-venous channels and connective tissue in the rectum that aid the passage of stool, but due to excess pressure in the abdominal area or pelvic area blood vessels near the anus are engorged and swollen and their walls becomes stretched, thin and irritated by passing stool.As some times pressure changes are more hemorrhoids mucosa layer burst leading to bleed while some time its healed so there is no active bleed.

2) Yes colonoscopy is an excellent test to directly visualise your rectal canal.So there is no harm in doing it.

As you are asymptomatic you are a candidate for conservative management

Start taking Syp. Lactulose 10-15ml once daily before going to bed. It is one of the most frequently used laxatives, tolerated very well by patients in long terms with minimal side effects.

-Secondly, Start using PreprationH a combination containing contains Calcium Dobesilate, Hydrocortisone, Lignocaine, and Zinc.

Thirdly, request your gastroenterologist to prescribe you with oral Calcium Dobesilate-Doxium therapy for 3 months. Initially twice daily for 21 days followed by once daily for 10 weeks. Trials have shown that 3-month therapy can cause shrinkage of Hemorrhoids in almost 60% cases.

Thanks!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad