Blood In Your Poo: What Does It Mean – And What Should I Do About It?
May 19, 2025
Published on
7/4/2025
The LivingCare Group
The LivingCare Group
We all experience occasional digestive discomfort - bloating after a big meal or a fleeting bout of indigestion. But when gut symptoms become persistent, disruptive, or unusual, they might be your body's way of signalling that something more serious is going on.
At LivingCare, early diagnosis is key. Our expert team offers fast access to colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and endoscopy services from our specialist gastroenterology clinics in Leeds and Sheffield, helping you get clarity - quickly and comfortably.
For patients concerned about bowel health, we can offer the Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test (qFIT). It's a simple home testing kit to detect hidden blood in stool samples. This might indicate bowel cancer or other conditions that need investigation. This non-invasive screening tool provides a convenient first step in bowel health assessment.
Appointments are available on a self-pay basis or through most medical insurance providers. We can also arrange a private GP consultation and referral to ensure you receive the care you need without delay.
Occasional bloating is normal, especially after rich or high-fibre foods. But if you're regularly feeling uncomfortably full, swollen, or in pain - regardless of what you eat - it could be a sign of:
If bloating is persistent, getting worse, or comes with other symptoms (like weight loss or fatigue), it's time to seek a professional assessment. Our clinics have state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, allowing us to conduct detailed investigations with minimal waiting times.
Everyone's digestive rhythm is different, but noticeable changes in bowel movements over time could indicate underlying issues. Look out for:
Persistent changes may point to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), polyps, or early signs of bowel cancer - and often require further investigation via colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, which are available quickly at LivingCare.
For more details on how these procedures work, including preparation and recovery time, visit the dedicated treatment pages on our website.
Whether bright red or dark and tarry, you should never ignore blood in your poo.
In either case, it's important to have it checked promptly. Our qFIT home testing service takes a stool sample and detects tiny amounts of blood in quantities that wouldn't be visible to the naked eye. After analysis, you'll receive a personal call from a Consultant Gastroenterologist to discuss your results – regardless of whether they're positive or negative.
At LivingCare, we offer rapid access to private colonoscopy and gastroscopy procedures in both Leeds and Sheffield, helping you get answers without long NHS wait times.
Getting heartburn occasionally is normal. But if it happens more than twice a week, or if you're relying on medication daily, it could point to:
A gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) can help identify what's causing the problem and allow for early treatment. Access to advanced imaging and consultant-led care allows you to get the clarity and reassurance you need without delay.
Digestive problems can affect nutrient absorption and gut function, leading to broader symptoms such as:
These may be caused by coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or even cancers of the digestive tract - all of which can be investigated using advanced diagnostics and imaging technology at our clinics in Leeds and Sheffield.
If you've been experiencing any of the above symptoms for more than a couple of weeks - or if something doesn't feel right - it's always worth checking.
At LivingCare, we offer:
For more detailed information on procedures like colonoscopy, gastroscopy, endoscopy or our qFIT home testing service - including how they work, how to prepare, and what to expect - please visit the dedicated treatment pages on our website.
Don't ignore ongoing gut symptoms. Book a consultation at LivingCare and take control of your digestive health - with expert care, minimal delays, and complete peace of mind.