What should you know about spitting up blood and blood in stool?

Blood in spit may come from the gums, nose, throat, lungs, or food pipe, while blood in stool may arise anywhere from the small intestine to the rectum. Bright red stool often reflects bleeding lower in the bowel; black, tar-like stool can occur when blood has been digested. These clues are not a diagnosis. Gastroenteritis, Diverticular Disease, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis can involve bowel bleeding, while polyps and tumours also need assessment. Blood in spit does not prove that the bowel is the source, so describe exactly when each symptom appeared.

Arrange prompt clinical advice even if the bleeding has stopped. Record the colour and amount, whether it followed vomiting or nosebleed, stool appearance, abdominal pain, fever, bowel changes, and medicines such as aspirin or blood thinners. Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers unless a clinician advises them. Keep a photograph only if this can be done safely and privately, and bring your medicine list. A clinician may examine your mouth and abdomen and decide whether blood tests or digestive investigations are appropriate; Polyp Removal is used only when a clinician identifies a suitable polyp.

Call emergency services for heavy or repeated bleeding, black tarry stool with weakness, vomiting blood, fainting, confusion, severe abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, pale clammy skin, or trouble breathing. Seek urgent help as well when you take anticoagulants or cannot keep fluids down. Do not wait for a routine appointment if the amount is increasing or you feel suddenly unwell.

Ask where the blood is most likely coming from, whether your medicines increase bleeding, which examinations are needed, and how to monitor stool changes. Ask what symptoms should trigger emergency care and whether follow-up is needed for inflammatory bowel disease or another bowel condition.