What does red or maroon stool typically indicate?

Red or maroon stool is typically indicative of bleeding from the lower digestive tract. This is primarily because the color suggests that blood is entering the stool from somewhere in the descending colon or rectum. When bleeding occurs in these areas, the stool takes on a red or maroon hue due to the closer proximity of the bleeding site to the exit point.

In contrast, bleeding from the upper digestive tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, usually results in stool that is dark or black (melena) because the blood is digested and altered as it travels through the gastrointestinal system.

Recognizing the color and source of the bleeding is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. While the possibility of conditions like colon cancer or intestinal obstruction could be considered, they are less directly tied to the immediate coloration of the stool and require additional assessment and symptoms for a proper diagnosis.