I drink plenty of water everyday and ‘condition’ my body such that I ‘visit’ the toilet to pass motion the first thing in the morning after drinking a cup of warm water. However, sometimes there is blood and sometimes no. What’s wrong and what should I do?

The usual reason for blood in stools is piles (haemorrhoids), and this condition can be confirmed with your doctor. Piles are areas in the anal canal where vascular tissue has become swollen. They are usually pink in colour, sometimes blue, and can be internal or external in nature. Bowel movement can thus cause bleeding. 

Less common causes include inflammation, fissure, polyps or even cancer. 

Abnormal growths exert excess pressure in the lower rectum and anus and could cause piles. 

If you are over 50 years of age or have a family history of cancer, a colonoscopy should be considered. 

Dr. Cheng Jun is a Consultant Internist & Gastroenterologist at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and a Visiting Consultant (Department of Gastroenterology) at the Singapore General Hospital. eMenders is a group of 40 doctors representing 25 medical and dental specialities. For more information on eMenders, visit www.emenders.com

The information provided above is of a general nature and is intended to provide health information to the general public. This information should not be treated as a replacement for medical advice. You should seek consultation from a medical or healthcare professional about your specific medical condition.