Noticing red poop can be alarming, but it's not always a cause for concern. The color of your stool can be influenced by various factors, from the foods you eat to more serious conditions like gastrointestinal (GI) tract bleeding. While it's not uncommon for stool color to change from time to time, red poop can sometimes signal an underlying issue that may need medical attention.

This guide explores the possible causes of red-colored stool, how to determine if it’s related to something you ate or a sign of an internal health problem, and when to seek medical advice.

What Does Red Poop Look Like?

Red poop appears as a stool that is tinged or completely colored red, instead of the usual brown. The shade can vary, ranging from bright red to maroon, and the intensity of the color can fluctuate depending on the cause.

Different Shades of Red Poop:

  • Bright Red: Often linked to bleeding in the lower GI tract, including the rectum and anus.

  • Maroon: May indicate bleeding from the upper GI tract, such as the stomach.

In many cases, red stool is temporary and may appear sporadically, but if red poop continues for more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms like stomach pain or unexplained weight loss, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Why Is Your Poop Red?

Red poop can occur for various reasons, from diet to digestive disorders. Understanding the causes is key to determining whether the issue is temporary or a sign of a health problem that requires attention.

1. Diet: Foods That Cause Red Stool

Your diet is one of the most common culprits behind red poop. Certain foods—especially those with natural or artificial red coloring—can temporarily change the color of your stool.

Common Foods That Can Turn Poop Red Include:

  • Red Dye 40: Found in foods like gelatin, popsicles, and red sports drinks

  • Tomato-based products: Such as tomato soup or juice

  • Beets: Known for their bright red pigment

  • Cranberries: Contain pigments that can alter stool color

If red poop occurs after consuming these foods, it's likely harmless and temporary. Your stool color will usually return to normal within a day or two.

2. Hemorrhoids: A Common Cause of Red Stool

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus, and they can burst, causing bleeding. When hemorrhoids bleed, you might notice bright red blood in your stool or on toilet paper.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids Include:

  • Itching or pain around the anal area

  • Bright red blood on stool or toilet paper after wiping

  • Swelling or discomfort in the rectal area

Hemorrhoids are generally not dangerous and can be treated with over-the-counter medications or topical ointments.

3. Digestive Disorders That Cause GI Bleeding

While some cases of red stool are diet-related, other causes of red poop are more serious and indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. GI bleeding can occur for various reasons, from benign conditions to more severe disorders.

Common Digestive Conditions That Cause Rectal Bleeding Include:

  • Anal Fissures: Small tears in the skin around the anus that can cause bleeding and red stool.

  • Colon Polyps: Abnormal growths inside the colon that can bleed and result in red stool, especially if the polyps are located closer to the rectum.

  • Colorectal Cancer: A more serious cause of red poop, often accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

  • Diverticular Disease: When small sacs (diverticula) in the colon become infected or inflamed, they can cause bleeding.

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation and bleeding in the GI tract, leading to red-colored stool.

  • Infections: Certain infections like gastroenteritis or E. coli can lead to bloody stool.

If you experience persistent red stool along with other symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, or fever, it’s crucial to see a doctor immediately.

4. Medications That Can Cause Red Stool

Some medications contain ingredients or dyes that can turn your stool red. These medications affect the digestive system in various ways, often by altering the color of the stool or by causing gas

Medications That Can Lead to Red Poop Include:

  • Antibiotics: Some antibiotics like rifabutin (Mycobutin) or tetracycline (Achromycin V) can cause red-tinted stools.

  • Bismuth Subsalicylate: Found in Pepto-Bismol, this medication can turn stools dark red or even black.

  • Corticosteroids: These can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, which may result in red stools.

  • Iron Supplements: Overuse of iron supplements can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including bleeding and red-colored stool.

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These can cause ulcers in the digestive tract, leading to bleeding that may show up as red poop.

If you suspect a medication is causing your red stools, talk to your healthcare provider. They may suggest alternative treatments or adjust your dosage.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

In most cases, red poop from food or hemorrhoids is harmless. However, if you notice persistent red stool or experience other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider.

Seek Medical Attention if You Experience:

  • Fever, fatigue, or dizziness

  • Vomiting blood

  • Weight loss or unexplained fatigue

  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping

  • Blood in your stool

Your provider may perform a variety of tests to determine if the red poop is caused by an underlying health condition, such as stool or blood tests, imaging, endoscopy, or colonoscopy.

Diagnostic Testing for Red Poop

To identify the cause of red poop, healthcare providers use a combination of physical exams, lab tests, and imaging studies. These may include:

  • Stool Tests: To detect blood, infection, or inflammation

  • Blood Tests: To check for signs of infection, anemia, or cancer

  • Colonoscopy: To view the inside of the colon and detect polyps or cancer

  • Endoscopy: To examine the upper GI tract for issues like ulcers or bleeding

  • Imaging Tests: To look for structural problems or blockages in the intestines

Treatment Options for Red Poop

The treatment for red poop depends on the underlying cause. If the issue is diet-related, avoiding certain foods or artificial dyes will typically resolve the problem. For hemorrhoids or anal fissures, topical medications or lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms.

If the cause of red poop is due to a gastrointestinal disorder or medication, your doctor will recommend treatments tailored to your specific condition, such as:

  • Dietary Adjustments: To manage conditions like IBD, diverticulitis, or lactose intolerance

  • Medications: To address GI bleeding, infection, or inflammation

  • Surgery: In severe cases, such as for colorectal cancer or large polyps

How to Prevent Red Poop

While occasional changes in stool color are normal, there are a few ways to maintain healthy digestion and reduce the chances of experiencing red poop:

  • Be Mindful of Foods: Avoid foods with red dyes or large quantities of beets, tomatoes, or cranberries.

  • Maintain a High-Fiber Diet: Consuming fiber-rich foods can prevent constipation and hemorrhoids, reducing the risk of bleeding.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps keep your digestive system functioning properly.

  • Avoid Straining: Straining during bowel movements can worsen hemorrhoids or cause anal fissures.

A Quick Review

Red poop can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from harmless dietary choices to serious gastrointestinal bleeding. If you experience red stool frequently or alongside other symptoms like pain, weight loss, or fever, consult a healthcare provider to rule out any serious conditions.