After administration of suppositories

Even after the administration of suppositories, small bleedings can occur, which are then found on the stool. The reason for this can be small injuries to the sensitive intestinal mucosa, which occur either when the suppository is inserted or when the child tries to squeeze the suppository out again.

Through breast milk?

An allergy to proteins contained in breast milk can also lead to bloody stools in babies. Often babies are not allergic to the proteins of the mother herself, but to food that she has ingested and then passes on to the baby through the milk.

Diagnosis

In order to make a diagnosis, the pediatrician needs some information about you and your child. After a physical examination of the child, during which the cause of bleeding may already be identified, further diagnostic steps may follow if necessary, such as stool tests for causative germs, blood tests or an ultrasound scan if there is a suspicion of intussusception. If, however, an intolerance is ultimately suspected, the suspected trigger is dispensed with both diagnostically and therapeutically. If this improves the symptoms, the diagnosis can be considered confirmed. If not, further diagnostic investigations must be undertaken.

Associated symptoms

The presence of other symptoms can give important clues as to the cause of the bloody stools. For example, if the child has fever, diarrhoea and/or vomiting, an infection is the main cause. If bloody, raspberry-jelly stools occur together with sudden onset of colic, an intussusception could be the cause and should therefore prompt parents to visit a pediatric emergency room immediately. If, on the other hand, the affected child (or close relatives) also have diseases such as neurodermatitis or allergies, food intolerance is more likely to be the cause.

Blood and phlegm

The joint occurrence of mucus and blood in a baby’s stool is an indication of an inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, which can occur as a result of intolerances, but also of infections. The inflammatory reaction not only promotes injuries to the mucosa, it also ensures that the intestinal mucosa produces more mucus and excretes fluid. You can find out what other causes mucus in your baby’s bowel movements can have under Mucilaginous bowel movements in babies – Causes & Therapy

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can also be associated with blood in the stool of babies. On the one hand, due to the aggressive secretions and the high volumes that pass through the intestines, diarrhoea can cause injuries to the intestinal mucosa, which can lead to bloody stools. On the other hand, diarrhoea can also be an indication of infection or food intolerance. In any case, bloody diarrhoea should be clarified by a doctor, as it can be an indication of a serious illness and may require further diagnostic steps and treatment.