Finding blood in a child's stool can certainly cause concern. However, it should be noted that this condition is quite common and does not always indicate a dangerous illness. Nevertheless, it is important for parents to understand the causes and the right steps to handle it.

Generally, the cause of bloody stools in children is a small tear in the anus due to hard stools. This can occur because of constipation. This condition is called an anal fissure, and it is the most common cause of bright red blood in a child's stool. In addition, the consumption of certain colored foods or drinks can also cause the stool to appear bloody, though it is not.

However, bloody stools can also be caused by infections, food allergies, or digestive tract disorders. Several conditions that can cause bloody stools include:

Bacterial infections such as Salmonella or E. coli.
Viral and parasitic infections such as rotavirus and Giardia.
Inflammation in the intestines such as colitis.
Intestinal polyps that grow from an early age.

Accompanying symptoms can include pain during defecation, hard stools, or the child appearing uncomfortable after defecating. It is also important to pay attention to the color of the blood. If the blood appears bright red on the surface of the stool, it most likely comes from the lower digestive tract. But if the stool appears pitch black, it could be from the upper digestive tract.

To determine the cause, doctors usually perform several examinations, such as:

Complete blood count to identify anemia and inflammation markers
Fecal occult blood test to detect visible or hidden blood
Stool culture test if bacterial infection is suspected
Abdominal ultrasound

Treatment depends on the cause. If caused by an anal fissure, usually it is enough to adjust the child’s diet, increase fluid intake, and use doctor-recommended ointments. If the cause is infection or inflammation, the doctor may prescribe specific medications.

PRAMITA friends are also advised to immediately consult a doctor if blood in the stool is accompanied by fever, the child appears very weak, has difficulty eating, or experiences weight loss. The sooner the treatment is given, the better the outcome.

Let’s take care of the little one’s health with vigilance and love. Don’t hesitate to consult medical professionals if suspicious symptoms arise.