Blood in the Stool
Seeing blood in your child’s stool (poop) can be alarming, but it’s important to remember that most cases are not life-threatening. Ensuring that what you see is truly blood is crucial, as certain foods and medications can also discolor the stool.
At RWJBarnabas Health our pediatric gastroenterology specialists are experts at diagnosing and treating conditions that cause blood to appear in a child’s stool.
What Is Blood in the Stool?
Blood in the stool, or rectal bleeding, refers to any visible blood that is passed through the digestive tract. The appearance of this blood can vary depending on its source within the digestive system. Identifying the cause of bleeding is essential for knowing when there is cause for concern about blood in a child’s stool and prescribing appropriate treatment.
How to Describe Blood in the Stool
Blood in the stool can take various forms:
- Gross blood. Visible blood in the stool.
- Melena. Black, tar-like stool indicating blood mixed with stomach acid.
- Darker red or maroon blood. Usually from the end of the small intestine or the beginning of the colon.
- Bright red blood. Typically originates from the end of the colon or the anus.
Causes of Blood in the Stool
There are many different reasons a child could have blood in their stool, including:
- Anal fissure. Small cuts at the anus that usually occur in children with constipation.
- Infectious colitis. Inflammation of the colon lining caused by bacterial infections.
- Allergic colitis. Inflammation due to allergies, such as cow milk protein allergy.
- Juvenile polyps. Benign polyps in the colon that can cause painless bleeding.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Stomach or small bowel ulcer. Rare in children but can occur due to medications or H. pylori infection.
- Meckel’s diverticulum. An outpouching of the small intestine causes bleeding due to misplaced stomach tissue.
- Hemorrhoids. Swollen blood vessels near the anus are more common in teenagers.
How Doctors Make a Diagnosis Based on Blood in the Stool
A pediatric gastroenterologist will order tests to confirm the presence of blood in the stool and determine the underlying cause. Diagnostic methods include:
- Physical examination and medical history
- Stool tests to detect infections or blood
- Blood tests for anemia or inflammation markers
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy to visualize the digestive tract
- Imaging studies for structural abnormalities
Treatments for Blood in the Stool
In most cases, treatment for blood in the stool means treating the underlying cause or disease that’s causing it. This treatment can range from stool softeners and topical medicines for anal fissures or hemorrhoids to surgical removal for Meckel’s diverticulum.
Talk to a Doctor
If your child is experiencing blood in their stool, it is crucial to consult a health care professional promptly for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Contact your health care provider or a pediatric gastroenterology specialist at RWJBarnabas Health today to schedule an appointment and discuss your child’s symptoms. We are here to provide the care and support your family needs.