Hi,

Blood is stools indicates that there is bleeding somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract. The cause of bleeding is usually not serious, but it is important to identify the source.

I would like to ask some details about the bleeding. This will help me to guide you better.
1. Is the blood in stool bright red or black?
2. Is the blood coating the stool or is it mixed the stools?
3. Does your son experience any local pain while passing stool?
4. Does he have diarrhea or constipation?

If the stools are coated or mixed with bright red or maroon colored blood, the source of bleeding is likely to be the anal canal, rectum or lower colon. Possible causes are:
Anal fissure resulting from constipation
Milk intolerance
Infectious diarrhea
Juvenile polyps

If the stools appear black, sticky and foul-smelling, the source of bleeding is likely to be in the upper gastrointestinal tract such as the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. Possible causes are:
Stomach ulcers
Foreign body

Certain food such as beet or medications such as iron supplements may cause stools to appear bloody.

Let me know if you have further queries.

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Hi XXXXXXX

Your son's symptoms suggest that he may be suffering from either hemorrhoids or rectal/anal fissure.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal and anal area. Hemorrhoids are not very common in children and they usually occur when there is some source of irritation such as passing of hard stool.

Rectal/anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the rectum/anal canal caused due to constipation or passage of hard stool.

In either case, eliminating the cause of the problem (constipation or hard stools) will help in resolution of the bleeding.

Here are some simple tips that will soften your child's stool and help resolve the bleeding:
Drink plenty of water (proper hydration will help to reduce constipation and pain)
Eat lots of salads, fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables (they are a good source of fiber which adds bulk to stools and makes passing stools easy)
Encourage regular bowel movements (sometimes children tend to postpone visiting the toilet)
Encourage outdoor play and physical activity

If the bleeding persists even after these measures, it is advisable to consult your doctor for a physical examination.

Hope I have answered your query.

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Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing back.

The likely cause of your son's bleeding is straining at stool, constipation and passage of hard stools. Once this is corrected, the bleeding is also likely to stop.

The bleeding episode 2 years back may also have been due to the same reason.

Do not worry. Hemorrhoids in children do not last very long. Once the source of irritation is eliminated, they will resolve.

However, do implement the preventive measures mentioned earlier to avoid recurrence.

Wish you good health.

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