It is alarming to see blood in your toddler’s poop, but the causes aren’t always serious. In fact, it is quite common. It is most common for a child to have blood in their stool due to anal fissures, caused by hard stools. A constipated person may entail discomfort in this way. In this article, we will tell you What is blood in a toddler’s stool and its causes. Let’s start!
The color of stool can be caused by certain foods, drinks, and prescription medications. Based on this information, we cover all the possible causes and outcomes for blood in the stool.
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The signs and symptoms of blood in toddler stool
The cause of the blood in toddler stool can be determined based on the color and intensity of the blood. Doctors can narrow down where the blood is coming from based on these characteristics.
The most common cause of up to 60% of bright red blood is lower GI tract bleeding. The black tarry stool comes from the stomach or other parts of the upper GI tract.
Doctors can also identify which GI tract areas have blood by examining other symptoms, such as pain and tenderness, and changes in bowel habits.
Blood in the stool may be caused by:
- over the stool was a bright red hue.
- blood mixed in the stool was a dark maroon color.
- tarry or black stool
Causes of blood in toddler stool
Symptoms that might indicate a toddler is passing blood in his stools are listed below.
Anal fissure
A toddler with an anal fissure will have blood in his stool 90 percent of the time. Blood in the stool results from a tiny tear in the anal lining. Large or hard stools can stretch and tear, as can diarrhea. To know about diarrhea in children we recommend you to read: Diarrhea in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.
In addition to the visible blood streaks, your child can also experience itching and pain in the area after a bowel movement. Anal fissures may occur very quickly after a bowel movement.
Infection
Bloody diarrhea in toddlers due to bacterial infections, viruses, and parasites can be caused by any of the following infections:
- E.coli
- Salmonella
- shigellosis
There is a common virus called Rotavirus. A parasite named Giardia lamblia is common that infests people of all ages, including babies and toddlers.
You should watch for fever and nausea, as well as lethargy and irritability if your child has one of these infections.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammation of the intestine is the main symptom of inflammatory bowel disease. IBD is a term used to describe several conditions, each involving some abnormal immune function.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can affect any part of the body (including the mouth, stomach, and intestines) changes the mucus in the intestines, causing the patient to swell and become depressed.
the large intestine is the only part affected by ulcerative colitis.
It appears to happen in teens and adults most of the time, but about 4 percent of children have symptoms by the time they are five years old.
There are several signs and symptoms of IBD, including:
- bloody diarrhea
- weight loss
- abdominal cramping and pain
- mucus in the stool
- low energy levels
Anal abscess and fistula
The development of anal and rectal abscesses in toddlers with a history of constant constipation or diarrhea is more likely. An anal fiesta can occur when an abscess doesn’t heal. The opening can be quite painful.
Symptoms of an anal abscess or fistula for your toddler may include irritability, a lump from the anus, anal discharge, and perhaps anal syringing.
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Polyps
It is more common for intestinal polyps to occur in adults than in children; however, children may be diagnosed with them too. Juvenile polyps grow in the colon and typically develop before the age of 10, particularly between ages 2 and 6.
The passing of blood and tissue from juvenile polyps to the stool can result in abdominal pain and the passing of red blood in the stool.
Diarrhea and blood in toddler stool
If you have a child with blood in his stool along with diarrhea, he might:
- bacterial or viral infection
- a parasite
- Crohn’s disease
- ulcerative colitis
Mucus and blood in toddler stool
In the body, mucus functions as a lubricant and protection against viruses and bacteria. Mucus and blood in the stool can result from diseases caused by:
- intestinal infections
- anal or rectal fistulas
- Crohn’s disease
- ulcerative colitis
When it’s not blood
Poop that appears black or red does not always indicate a blood transfusion: many foods, drinks, and some medications can change its color so that it appears black or red.
The following can cause red poop:
- Kool-Aid and similar red drinks
- berries
- beets
- icing containing red food coloring
- antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and cefdinir
The following factors can cause black poop:
- icing containing black or dark food coloring
- black licorice
- iron tablets
- Medications containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol
Color your toddler’s poop a different color by consuming foreign objects like crayons.
The treatment of toddlers with blood in their stool
Symptoms of bleeding can be alleviated by home remedies. It is possible to treat and prevent constipation by treating anal fissures as well as conditions causing blood in the stool. Medical treatments are available as well.
The three Fs
Using the three Fs, like fluid, fiber, and fitness, is the easiest way to prevent constipation in your child. Make sure he is drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods high in fiber.
Besides, age-appropriate exercise can also help prevent anal fissures by keeping the bowels moving regularly.
Make sure the area is clean
Taking care of any anal fissures in your child, you will need to clean the anus after every bowel movement to prevent infection. Whenever you pass a bowel movement, gently clean the anus.
Sitz bath
You can give your child a sitz bath in a bathtub, or you can use a kit that fits over the toilet. Salt or baking soda are sometimes added to the warm water to help soothe the pain.
Apply petroleum jelly or cream
An anal fissure that has not been healed for 2 weeks must be protected with petroleum jelly or zinc oxide cream, which helps prevent irritation and reduces the discomfort of passing stools.
Antimicrobials
In gastrointestinal tract infections caused by parasites or bacteria, antibiotic medications are used. Antibiotics are also utilized in acute bacterial infections and infections caused by IBD, including left-sided ulcerative colitis and perianal disease. Antibiotics do not, however, work against viruses.
IBD medications
Children with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can be treated with medications like 5-aminosalicylate. Other medications used to treat IBD include:
- corticosteroids
- immunomodulators
- biologics
Doctors can suggest a medication regimen for your child that minimizes adverse effects while managing symptoms.
Surgery
In some cases, gastrointestinal endoscopy helps diagnose causes of blood in stool by removing polyps or cauterizing bleeding areas. Sometimes the bleeding will go away after a chemical is injected into the bleeding site.
Diagnosing the cause
Dr. will perform a rectal exam and examine the outside of the anus to diagnose the cause of the bleeding.
The doctor may suggest the following tests for your child:
- stool culture
- blood tests
- abdominal X-ray
- abdominal ultrasound
- CT scan
- upper GI endoscopy
- colonoscopy
The right time to see a pediatrician
An underlying condition that affects children that has the potential to be serious must be ruled out by a pediatrician. A sick child should be taken to the pediatrician if:
- black or tarry stool
- bloody diarrhea
- stomach pain
- pink or tea-colored urine
911 should be called if you believe your child’s condition is life-threatening or if they are too weak to stand or faint.
Before the call, you should gather the following information
Before you call for an appointment, you may want to collect a stool sample from your child to help the doctor make a fast diagnosis.
Here’s what to remember
Anal fissures from constipation are one of the most common causes of blood in toddler stool. Although this condition is generally not serious, it can still be handled by your child’s pediatrician if blood is found in the stool.