Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for bloody stools (also called "bowel movements"). This means you had a bowel movement and saw blood on the toilet paper after wiping, in the toilet, or on the surface of or mixed in with the bowel movement. In some cases, a bloody bowel movement might look more like tar.
Many things can cause bloody bowel movements. Some are serious things like polyps (small growths), cancer, or other problems in the digestive system. Less serious things like hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels in the anus) or anal fissures (a tear in the skin on the anus) can also cause bloody bowel movements.
The doctor thinks your bloody bowel movements are likely not caused by something serious. You can manage your symptoms at home.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your medicines as instructed. The doctor might have given you creams or medicines to go on or inside your anus. These can help with pain, itching, and swelling.
●Try to keep your bowel movements soft. Drink lots of water, and eat lots of high-fiber foods. Fiber is common in fruits, vegetables, and breakfast cereal. You can also take fiber supplements. Ask your regular doctor if you should try any medicines.
●Take sitz baths. Soak your buttocks in 2 or 3 inches of warm water. You can do this up to 2 to 3 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not add soap, bubble bath, or anything to the water.
●Get regular physical activity. Even gentle forms of exercise, like walking, are good for your health.
●Try to avoid straining when you have a bowel movement.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you have:
•Heavy bleeding from your anus
•Severe belly pain
•Chest discomfort or shortness of breath
●Return to the ED if:
•Your bleeding increases a lot.
•You vomit blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
•You get very pale, or your heart is beating very fast.
•You feel very weak or get lightheaded when you stand up.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
●Have a headache
●Vomit a lot
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Bloody stools in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use rectal medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: High-fiber diet (The Basics)
Patient education: How to take a sitz bath (The Basics)
Patient education: Blood in the stool (rectal bleeding) in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High-fiber diet (Beyond the Basics)
