Is it possible for acid reflux disease to cause blood to be in one’s stools?
“It is unlikely that acid reflux can cause blood on or in the stool,” says Dr. Jeffrey Fine, MD, chief of gastroenterology at the Medical Surgical Clinic of Irving.
“To have blood on or in the stool, the patient would have to have massive gastrointestinal bleeding from the esophagus and this is unlikely.
“The only way acid reflux could cause blood in a patient’s stool is if they had an esophageal ulcer eroding into a blood vessel causing rapid gastrointestinal blood loss.
“When a patient has this condition, they are more likely to be vomiting blood than to see it in their stool.”
If you’re experiencing any unnerving symptoms, insist upon a colonoscopy, even if you’re under age 50. A colonoscopy can rule out or in a number of conditions.
Do not fear a colonoscopy. If you haven’t had any peculiar symptoms but are at least age 45, it’s time to ask your physician about a colonoscopy as a screening for colon cancer.
Dr. Fine has been in practice for over 30 years and specializes in digestive health, integrative medicine and food sensitivities.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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