Why would your child's rectal area bleed?

Answer 1

There are several reasons a child could have slight bleeding from the rectum. Just like in adults, bleeding from the rectum can occur when:

• Some children "hold it" rather than going to the bathroom. This can lead to constipation. Read below for how this can cause bleeding.
• Constipation can irritate the mucosal lining of rectum, which is inside the body. Hard stool can create very small tears in the lining, which bleed. The bleeding would be in very small amounts, and typically bright red, changing to brown as the bleeding stops and the tear heals.
• "Straining" to push out hard fecal matter. Any forceful straining against hard bowel movement can push against and tear the rectal lining. The biggest causes of constipation are: not enough fluids; medications that cause drying of mucous membranes or cause constipation; decreased activity or exercise; the kinds of foods eaten; and not enough fiber.
• Hemorrhoids can develop in children, not just external but internal ones. A doctor can determine if a child has hemorroids.
• Anal sexual abuse can cause bleeding also. Rather than questioning a child or doing an "examination" yourself, consult a doctor.

Doctors will probably exam, rule out causes, and make recommendations that could include: increasing fluids; change of medications that cause drying of mucous membranes or cause constipation to a different med; increased activity or exercise; a food diary for the kinds of foods eaten; limiting constipation causing foods; inclusion of fiber in the diet; and in some cases, a doctor might order a short term laxative for 7 to 10 days. Note: Long term laxatives are not good for the intestines. Follow your doctor's instructions to help your child develop good bowel habits.

NOTE! Any large amount of blood, bleeding that doesn't stop on its own (changing to darker color), or bleeding with pain needs an immediate visit to the doctor or ER. Call your doctor for his recommendations.)

Answer 2

Shot in gut with rifle.