Q I thought it was just an upset stomach but I had blood in my stool. Is it OK to see a Korean medicine clinic first?
A Blood in the stool is an emergency sign that must first be confirmed by internal medicine or the emergency room. It can be a sign of colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or rarely colorectal cancer, so a detailed examination such as colonoscopy is the priority. Korean medicine treatment can be added after the cause is confirmed.
Detailed Answer
Blood in the stool may not be a simple worsening of chronic enteritis. It can be an early sign of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, colorectal polyps, or colorectal cancer, so the cause must first be confirmed by colonoscopy. A high fever above 38°C, severe abdominal pain that makes daily life impossible, and sudden weight loss of more than 10 kg within 6 months are also emergency signs.
Oriental Medicine Perspective
When such red flags are present, please immediately visit your nearest emergency room or gastroenterology department. After the cause is identified and stability is confirmed following emergency treatment, Korean medicine treatment can be combined to help with intestinal mucosal recovery and relapse prevention. Korean medicine treatment does not come first.
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