"Is Checking for Hemorrhoids an Accurate Way to Diagnose Blood in Stool?"

The accuracy of using bloody stool as an indicator for hemorrhoid examination depends on the underlying cause of the bleeding. If patients experience bloody stool, it is recommended to promptly seek medical attention, undergo relevant examinations under the guidance of a doctor, and receive treatment according to the doctor's diagnosis.

1. Inaccurate:

If the bloody stool is caused by anal fissures, there are generally no symptoms of hemorrhoids such as protrusion or pain. In this case, conducting a hemorrhoid examination is usually inaccurate.

2. Relatively Accurate:

If the bloody stool is due to hemorrhoids, and the bleeding is minimal, it may manifest as a small amount of blood attached to the surface of the stool or as bleeding drops. Rectal palpation can detect the presence of hemorrhoids, and blood may be visible on toilet paper after wiping. Furthermore, anoscopy can confirm the diagnosis. Therefore, in such cases, examining hemorrhoids based on bloody stool is generally accurate.

3. Other Conditions:

Patients with ulcerative colitis or intestinal tumors may also experience bloody stool. In these scenarios, examining for hemorrhoids may not be accurate since neither ulcerative colitis nor intestinal tumors cause hemorrhoid-like changes in the anal region. Additionally, intestinal tumors may be accompanied by abdominal masses, abdominal pain, and other symptoms, which can be diagnosed through imaging modalities such as CT and X-ray. If hemorrhoids are confirmed, treatment may involve medications like Compound Carrageenan Ester Cream under a doctor's supervision. Patients should also maintain a light diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.