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First Aid & Emergencies

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First Aid & Emergencies

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Treating Bloody Stools in Children

Call 911 if:

Bleeding is severe
Your child seems weak, faint, or very sick

Blood in the stool is usually not a serious problem in young children, but you should always call a pediatrician to make sure.

Call Doctor If:

Your baby has blood in the stool.

1. Get Details

Is the blood bright red or dark?
Has your baby eaten anything unusual or started any new medications? Foods such as tomatoes, beets, and artificial flavorings can cause reddish stools. Some antibiotics may too.

2. Look for Other Symptoms

Is the blood associated with diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or pain?

3. Call Your Pediatrician

If there was very little blood and your baby seems otherwise healthy, call the pediatrician during normal office hours.
If your baby is under 12 weeks old; has black or tarry stools, bloody diarrhea, or blood mixed with mucus that looks like jelly; or seems sick, upset, or lethargic, call a pediatrician right away or go to the emergency room.

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