Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of rectal bleeding is the presence of blood in the stool. This can range from a small amount of blood mixed with the stool to large amounts of blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Other common symptoms that may occur alongside rectal bleeding include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
It is important to note that some children with rectal bleeding may not experience any additional symptoms.
Causes
There are many possible causes of rectal bleeding in children. Some of the most common include:
- Anal fissures: Anal fissures are small tears in the skin around the anus that can cause bleeding. They are often caused by constipation or hard stools, but can also be caused by diarrhea.
- Infections: Infections in the digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or infections caused by bacteria or viruses, can cause rectal bleeding.
- Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can cause bleeding. They are often caused by straining during bowel movements or pregnancy, but can also occur in children due to chronic constipation.
- Polyps: Polyps are small growths that can occur in the colon or rectum. They are usually benign, but some can become cancerous. Polyps can cause rectal bleeding if they are large enough to cause irritation or if they bleed during bowel movements.
- Other conditions: Other conditions that can cause rectal bleeding in children include allergies, parasites, and inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.