Introduction
Blood in the toddler's stool can be worrying, but it is not always indicative of a severe condition. It is quite common. The most common cause of blood in children's stools is anal fissures, which are microscopic tears in the anus typically caused by hard stools. This is possible for a toddler suffering from constipation. Certain foods, beverages, and prescription drugs can alter the color of stool, causing it to resemble blood. Occasionally, blood in the stool may indicate a more severe underlying problem. This article will explore the possible causes of bloody stools in children.
What Are the Symptoms of Bloody Stool?
Blood in a child's feces can appear differently depending on the underlying cause. The color and intensity of the blood can aid physicians in determining its cause. Bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as rectal bleeding, is the most common cause of bright red blood. In contrast, black, tarry stool originates from the stomach or upper gastrointestinal tract. Other symptoms, such as discomfort, stomach pain, food refusal, and tenderness, as well as a change in bowel habits, can also assist the physician in determining its cause. Blood in feces may be:
- Bright red-colored blood over the stool.
- Blood in stool which is dark maroon in color.
- Black-colored stool.
What Causes A Bloody Stool?
The causes of the bloody stool are:
Anal Fissures: Anal fissures cause blood in a child's stool ninety percent of the time. Anal fissures are small tears in the anus' inner lining. The sensitive lining of the anus can be stretched or torn by passing a hard or large stool. Additionally, diarrhea can irritate the lining and lead to fissures. If a child has an anal fissure, one may observe bright red blood streaks on the toilet paper or the stool after wiping. Additionally, anal fissures can produce pain and itching in the area that is worse during or immediately after a bowel movement.
Infection: Bacterial infections, viruses, and parasites in the digestive tract can cause children to develop bloody diarrhea. Examples of common bacterial infections:
- Salmonella.
- E. coli.
- Shigellosis.
- Rotavirus is a frequent viral infection.
- Giardia lamblia is a common parasite that affects individuals of all ages, including infants and young children. In addition to a high fever and abdominal ache, the kid with one of these illnesses may also be irritable and tired.
Abscess and Fistula: A history of regular constipation or diarrhea increases the risk of anal and rectal abscesses in children. Abscesses arise when a cavity in the anus becomes infected with pus and, typically, bacteria. An anal fistula can form when an abscess fails to heal and ruptures on the skin's surface. Both can be really uncomfortable and very painful. If the child develops an anal abscess or fistula, they may exhibit irritability, a lump or swelling around the anus, and anal discharge.
Food Allergies: Possible causes include food sensitivities that inflame the colon and allow blood to leak into the stool. The most frequent newborn food allergies are to cow's milk and soy, but the child may also be allergic to eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, or wheat. Typical additional symptoms associated with food allergies include rashes, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Parental Nipple Injuries: If a breastfeeding parent has cracked and bleeding nipples, the infant may ingest blood when nursing, resulting in dark crimson or black specks in the feces. This is typically not cause for alarm. Nevertheless, adjusting the baby's latch might avoid or lessen breast abrasions.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder characterized by intestinal inflammation. There are two primary kinds of IBD, both characterized by abnormal immune function:
Crohn's disease can affect any portion from the mouth to the anus of the gastrointestinal system, from the mouth to the ulcerative anus colitis, which affects the large intestine. IBD is typically diagnosed in adolescents and adults. However, four percent of children develop symptoms before the age of five.
What Causes Red Stools Without Actually Having Blood in Stools?
Red or black feces are not always indicative of blood. If it is not blood, the red color or black stools can result from numerous foods, beverages, and drugs that can alter the color of feces to make it appear red or black.
Red stools can result from the following: Red beverages, berries, beets with red food color, and medicines, including Amoxicillin and Cednifir.
Causes of black stool include:
- Black or dark food colors containing frosting black licorice or iron pills.
- Medications containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol.
- Foreign materials, such as crayons, sometimes engulfed, can also alter the color of the stool.
How Are Bloody Stools Diagnosed?
A doctor may be able to determine the cause of bleeding by examining the outside of the anus and conducting a rectal examination. Additional tests that the child's physician may order include:
- Stool culture.
- Blood tests.
- Abdominal radiographs.
- Abdominal ultrasound.
- CT scans.
- Upper GI endoscopy.
- Colonoscopy.
How Are Bloody Stools in Children Treated?
Treatment for bloody stools can vary according to the underlying cause.
Stool Softeners or Laxatives: In the majority of cases, fissures are caused by the passage of difficult stools or prolonged constipation. Therefore, doctors frequently recommend laxatives or stool softeners.
Ointments: Doctors may prescribe topical analgesic ointments to relieve pain in extreme cases of fissures or tears caused by constipation, stool retention, or unpleasant bowel movements. Do not apply over-the-counter lotions or ointments to children without first consulting a physician.
Antibiotics: In the case of infectious colitis or intestinal infections, antimicrobials or antiparasitic medications may be recommended. Treatment is delivered based on the diagnosed bacterium, virus, or parasite.
Immunosuppressive and Anti-inflammatory Agents: The doctor may prescribe these drugs to treat inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). Children are efficiently treated with corticosteroids, aminosalicylates, immunomodulators, etc., to eradicate symptoms and enhance the quality of life.
Endoscopic Treatment: Complete colonoscopy plus endoscopic polypectomy may be performed to treat polyps. As juvenile polyps are typically small (between 5 and 15 mm in diameter), doctors may propose a snare polypectomy, which uses heat to remove them.
Surgery: Surgery may be possible in children with bleeding owing to intestinal blockage (intussusception), rectal polyp, or any vascular abnormalities.
When To Consult A Pediatrician?
Visit a pediatrician to determine why the blood is in the child's stool. An accurate diagnosis can aid in the management of underlying diseases or the exclusion of a dangerous condition. Consider seeking medical attention if the child exhibits the following symptoms:
- Extreme exhaustion or weakness.
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Dark, tarry feces.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Abdominal enlargement or distension.
Conclusion
Bloody diarrhea is a relatively rare occurrence among children, often signaling the potential presence of significant underlying illnesses. Blood in a toddler's feces is typically caused by constipation-related anal fissures, which are not dangerous and can be treated. Proper medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment are paramount in ensuring the well-being of the child. By staying vigilant, seeking timely medical attention, and maintaining open communication with healthcare professionals, parents can play a crucial role in addressing and managing the causes of bloody stools in children, ultimately promoting their health and comfort.
