Final answer:
Bloody diarrhea can be caused by bacterial infections, such as from Campylobacter jejuni or Salmonella, leading to dysentery with blood and mucus in the stool. Other causes include pseudomembranous colitis and parasitic infections like Giardia lamblia. Symptoms accompanying bloody diarrhea often include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Causes of Bloody Diarrhea
Bloody diarrhea is a concerning symptom that can arise from various conditions that we can list using the mnemonic 'MESSY CACA'. This includes infections by bacteria like Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, and Entamoeba histolytica which can lead to dysentery characterized by intestinal inflammation and bloody stools. Additionally, pseudomembranous colitis can cause bloody diarrhea along with fever, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, shock and death. Other parasites such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum are also associated with diarrhea, though not always bloody.
Signs and Symptoms
When bloody diarrhea is present, it's often accompanied by symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Infections of the lower GI tract typically cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and aches, indicating inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), the intestinal mucosa (enteritis), or both (gastroenteritis). Signs of dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea are also critical to monitor, as they can become serious or lead to fatal outcomes if not treated promptly.
Therefore, it is essential for clinicians to thoroughly investigate the patient's medical history and current symptoms to diagnose the cause correctly since many microorganisms can produce similar signs and symptoms. A stool sample can help identify the presence of specific infectious agents and the presence of blood, which can guide the diagnosis and treatment.