Direct answer: Blood in stool (potty me khoon) is most often caused by piles or a small anal tear, but it can also come from ulcers, infection, polyps or colon cancer. Bright red blood on paper is usually from the anus. Black, sticky stool or mixed blood needs a check soon. Dr Raman Garg in Bathinda, Punjab, India, finds the cause with simple tests.
First, look at the colour
The colour tells you where the bleeding may be coming from. Think of the gut as a long pipe. The lower the bleed, the redder the blood.
| What you see | Where it may come from | Common reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Bright red drops after potty, on paper or in the pan | Anus or lower rectum | Piles, fissure |
| Dark red blood mixed with stool | Rectum or colon | Polyp, colitis, infection, growth |
| Black, tar-like, foul-smelling stool (melena) | Stomach or food pipe | Ulcer, gastritis, swollen veins |
| Blood with mucus and loose motions | Colon | Infection, ulcerative colitis |
Eat beetroot, take iron tablets or bismuth, and your stool can also look dark or red. If you are unsure, do not guess. Get it checked.
Common causes
- Piles (khooni bawasir): painless bright red bleeding, often with a lump. See piles treatment in Bathinda.
- Anal fissure (chira): sharp pain with a few drops of blood. See piles vs fissure vs fistula.
- Stomach or duodenal ulcer: black stool, burning pain, sometimes vomiting. See stomach ulcer treatment.
- Infection or colitis: blood, mucus and loose motions with cramps.
- Polyps: small growths in the colon that can bleed in tiny amounts, often without pain.
- Colon or rectal cancer: blood mixed with stool, change in bowel habit, weight loss, tiredness.
Who should not wait
A 48 year old shopkeeper from Nathana who sees blood once a week for two months and blames piles is a common story. Sometimes it is piles. Sometimes it is not, and the delay costs months. Do not assume piles if you are over 40, if blood is mixed with stool, if your stool has become thinner, or if there is weight loss, pale skin or a family history of bowel cancer.
Tests Dr Raman Garg may advise
- Examination of the anal area and a short scope test
- Stool routine test and blood tests (haemoglobin, to see if you have lost blood)
- Upper GI endoscopy if the stool is black. See endoscopy in Bathinda
- Colonoscopy to look at the whole colon, with a biopsy or polyp removal during the same test when needed
- CT scan, arranged with trusted imaging partners in Bathinda, reports reviewed by Dr Raman Garg the same day
Cost of tests
| Item | Starting (Rs) | Average (Rs) | Maximum (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPD consultation | 500 | 700 | 1,000 |
| Stool routine test | 100 | 150 | 300 |
| Upper GI endoscopy | 2,000 | 3,200 | 5,000 |
| Colonoscopy, diagnostic | 4,500 | 7,000 | 12,000 |
| Colonoscopy with biopsy or polyp removal | 7,000 | 10,000 | 18,000 |
| CEA tumour marker | 500 | 650 | 1,000 |
Note: These are typical Punjab costs for 2026. The final cost may vary after Dr Raman Garg examines you, depending on whether a biopsy or polyp removal is done during the test, the number of tests needed and your health.
Published ranges from Mohali and Chandigarh hospitals put colonoscopy at about Rs 4,000 to 10,000. Metro hospitals often charge more.
Treatment depends on the cause
Piles and fissures are treated with stool softeners and diet first, and a small operation if they persist. Ulcers are treated with acid medicines and, if present, H pylori treatment. Polyps are removed during colonoscopy. Colitis needs long-term medicines. If a cancer is found early, surgery offers the best chance of control; see colon cancer surgery.
Cashless insurance
Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute works with Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Niva Bupa, Digit Insurance, Care Health Insurance, Medi Assist TPA and almost all other major insurers and TPAs. Our insurance desk arranges pre-authorisation when a procedure is advised.
When to see a doctor (box)
Book an OPD visit this week for any blood in stool that repeats, even if it looks like piles. Go to hospital the same day for black tarry stool, vomiting blood, heavy bleeding, fainting, a racing heart or severe belly pain. Call +91 82641-60001, emergency support is available 24/7.
From your town to Bathinda
Patients come from Bhucho Mandi (20 km, 30 min), Talwandi Sabo (30 km, 45 min) and across Punjab. You can send reports on WhatsApp first. Explore the Bathinda gastro treatment hub, or read about Dr Raman Garg. Related: colonoscopy: who needs it and prep. This page is general information; your plan is set after Dr Raman Garg examines you.
Medically reviewed by Dr Raman Garg. Last updated: 8 November 2026.