Normal stools do not contain blood or mucus. Stools that show signs of mucus or blood may indicate a medical problem. Bright red blood usually occurs from bleeding near the rectum. Bleeding that occurs higher in the digestive system shows as dark brown or black, looking like "coffee grounds" or tarry stools. Blood or mucus can show in either constipated or loose stools.

Bright red blood can sometimes appear as streaks on toilet tissue or as a droop of blood in the toilet. Some causes of this symptom are:
* Small splits in the skin called anal fissures.
* Small growths (rectal polyps) on the inner lining of the colon.
* Hemorrhoids (swollen veins) in the rectal area that also may be painful, itch, burn, or throb.
* Cancer of the rectum.

Any of these problems can cause difficult and painful bowel movements. A fever or illness combined with red, bloody stools may be a sign of a more serious problem such as an inflammatory bowel disease. Examples are Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and dysentery. Inflammatory bowel diseases and infected ulcers can produce mucus or pus in the intestines.

A simple screening test for blood in the stool is a useful method of detecting colon cancer early. The American Cancer Society recommends that this test be done yearly after age 50.

Faintness, sweating, and weakness are symptoms that may also occur with blood in the stools. Seek medical evaluation when bowel movements show signs of blood, mucus, or rectal bleeding.

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