This article has been consulted with Master, Doctor Ngô Thị Oanh - Pediatrician - Pediatrics and Neonatology Department - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Blood in stool is a very common condition in children. However, parents should not be too complacent; when encountering such cases, they should take their child to a healthcare facility as soon as possible. This is because the causes of blood in a child's stool are varied, such as: anal fissures, intestinal inflammation, diarrhea due to infection,..
1. When is blood in stool dangerous in children?
In young children, blood in the stool is primarily caused by constipation or anal fissures. However, one cause that many parents may not anticipate is the presence of colon polyps. In fact, cases of colon polyps present with symptoms similar to those of constipation.
Colon polyps need to be examined in order to be detected. While this is not considered a serious medical condition, it still requires timely treatment to prevent further bleeding. This helps reduce the risk of blood loss or severe anemia.
In adults, most polyps that are left untreated for too long can lead to colorectal cancer. The characteristic of early-stage polyps is usually their small size, slow growth, and lack of outward symptoms. Therefore, when polyps are detected in children, they need to be removed to prevent constipation and reduce the risk of malignant transformation into cancer.
Symptoms of colon polyps in children include digestive disorders, abdominal pain, and especially blood in the stool. When the doctor removes the polyp, these symptoms will subside. To diagnose the condition, the doctor will perform a flexible sigmoidoscopy.
2. In cases where a child has slight blood in their stool
Anal fissures: This occurs due to constipation in children, where the stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. When the child strains to push the stool out, it can cause injury to the anus and result in bleeding. Therefore, during bowel movements, the child may experience fresh blood in their stool. The treatment for this condition may involve allowing the wound to heal on its own or using additional medications.
Colitis: This is a condition where the child’s colon or large intestine becomes inflamed. The cause may be genetic, but since the immune system in young children is not fully developed, they are more susceptible to infections. This creates an opportunity for bacteria to invade the inflamed area, worsening the condition, and blood may be seen in the stool. The treatment method involves using anti-inflammatory medications to control the development of the inflammation and support the child’s immune system in fighting off the bacteria.
Crohn’s Disease: This is a condition that causes ulcers in the walls of the small and large intestines, and blood will be present in the stool due to these ulcers. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown, but many researchers believe that genetic factors play a significant role. Therefore, if a family member has this condition, the likelihood of it occurring in subsequent generations is high. The treatment method involves identifying the location and extent of the ulcers, allowing the doctor to prescribe medication for the child.
Allergies: Many people may not know that allergies to milk or food consumed by the mother can also be one of the causes of blood in the stool. This condition can persist and affect the future. However, in reality, there are some medications that can help manage this condition in newborns.
If the condition does not improve, you should take your child to a reputable healthcare facility for examination. The Pediatrics Department at Vinmec is one of the few general hospitals with a full team of specialists in neurology, cardiology, gastroenterology, nutrition, psychology, endocrinology, and hepatobiliary diseases, ensuring quick and timely handling of medical conditions and the early detection of diseases during the examination. As a key specialty of the Vinmec Healthcare System, the Pediatrics Department consistently provides satisfaction to patients and is highly regarded by experts in the field with:
Gathering a team of leading pediatric specialists: The team includes top experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctors, masters), rich experience, and backgrounds working at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108, etc. All doctors are well-trained, professional, and have a deep understanding of child psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Pediatrics Department also includes foreign experts from Japan, Singapore, Australia, and the United States, who are always at the forefront in applying the latest and most effective treatment protocols.
Comprehensive services: In the field of pediatrics, Vinmec provides a continuous range of medical services from newborn care to pediatrics and vaccinations, following international standards to help parents take care of their child's health from birth to adulthood
Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully implemented many specialized techniques, making the treatment of difficult pediatric diseases more effective, such as neurosurgery, stem cell transplantation, and blood transfusion in cancer treatment.
Expert care: Besides understanding child psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to children's play areas, helping children engage and familiarize themselves with the hospital environment, cooperate in treatment, and enhance medical treatment outcomes.
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Reference source: hoanglongclinic
