If bleeding is occult, the patient might not notice any changes in stool color. If sudden massive bleeding occurs, a person may feel weak, dizzy, faint, short of breath, or have crampy abdominal pain or diarrhea. Shock may occur, with a rapid pulse, drop in blood pressure, and difficulty in producing urine. The patient may become very pale. If bleeding is slow and occurs over a long period of time, a gradual onset of fatigue, lethargy, shortness of breath, and pallor from the anemia will result.
Anemia is a condition in which the blood's iron-rich substance, hemoglobin, is diminished.
The site of the bleeding must be located. A complete history and physical examination are essential. Because the intake of iron or foods such as beets can give the stool the same appearance as bleeding from the digestive tract, a doctor must test the stool for blood before offering a diagnosis. A blood count will indicate whether the patient is anemic and also will give an idea of the extent of the bleeding and how chronic it may be. Endoscopy Endoscopy is a common diagnostic technique that allows direct viewing of the bleeding site.