Is Blood in the Stool a Sign of Excess Internal Heat (Shanghuo)? What's the Reason?
Disease description:
I have been noticing blood in my stool recently, which has made me quite anxious. I'm worried—could blood in the stool be caused by "excess internal heat" (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to bodily imbalance)?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Blood in the stool is not necessarily caused solely by "excessive internal heat"; the causes may involve multiple factors:
1. **Excessive internal heat:** Consuming spicy or heating foods, such as chili peppers, or excessive alcohol intake, may lead to internal heat accumulation, causing dry stools. Excessive straining during bowel movements may tear the anal canal skin, resulting in blood in the stool.
2. **Damage to the intestinal mucosa:** Infections such as acute gastroenteritis or bacterial dysentery can erode the intestinal mucosa, potentially leading to blood in the stool.
3. **Anorectal diseases:** Common conditions such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures, especially hemorrhoids, may cause mucosal rupture and bleeding during defecation.
4. **Intestinal polyps or tumors:** Bleeding caused by ruptured intestinal polyps or rectal tumors may also result in blood in the stool.
Patients with concerns are advised to seek timely medical consultation.
