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Stools - Blood In
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Does this describe your child's symptoms?
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Definition
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Blood-colored material mixed in with the stool, on the surface or passed separately
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Blood in the stools is usually bright red
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Blood from bleeding in the stomach comes out tar-black
Causes
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Anal Fissure: If no associated diarrhea, more than 90% of children with blood in the stools have an anal fissure. Anal fissures usually are caused by passage of a large or hard stool.
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A Strep skin infection around the anus can also cause blood-streaked stools.
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If associated diarrhea, most of the children have Shigella, Salmonella or Campylobacter infections.
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Some foods (e.g., tomatoes or beets), drinks (e.g., red Kool-Aid), and medicines (e.g., amoxicillin or omnicef) can also cause red-colored stools that look like blood.
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When to Call Your Doctor
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Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
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Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
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Your child looks or acts very sick
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Large amount of blood, blood alone without any stool or the toilet water turned red
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Tarry or black-colored stool (not dark green)
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Blood with diarrhea
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Pink- or tea-colored urine
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Vomited blood
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Abdominal pain or crying also present
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Skin bruises not caused by an injury
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Age under 12 weeks
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Small bleeding occurs over 2 times
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Followed an injury to anus or rectum
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You think your child needs to be seen urgently
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
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Blood in the stools, but none of the symptoms described above (Reason: probable anal fissure)
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NOTE: Try to save a sample of the "blood" for testing if your child needs to be seen
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR ANAL FISSURE (until you talk with your doctor)
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Definition: An anal fissure is the #1 cause of blood in stools
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The blood is bright red, but only a few streaks or flecks are present
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All the blood is on the surface of the stool or on the toilet tissue after wiping
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Usually follows passage of a large or hard stool
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You may see a shallow tear at 6 or 12 o'clock on the anus
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Warm Saline Baths: Give warm saline baths for 20 minutes 2 times per day for 1 day to cleanse the area and to promote healing. Add 2 ounces (60 ml) of table salt or baking soda to a tub of warm water.
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Steroid Ointment: If the anus seems irritated, apply 1% hydrocortisone ointment (no prescription needed) 3 times per day for 1 day to help healing.
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High-Fiber Diet:
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For children more than 1 year old, offer a nonconstipating diet.
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Increase fruits, vegetables and grains (fiber).
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Reduce milk products to 3 servings per day.
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If CONSTIPATION is definitely the cause, see that topic.
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Expected Course: Anal fissures usually heal up quickly with home treatment.
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Call Your Doctor If:
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
© 2000-2018 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.