Children and babies can get hemorrhoids and anal fissures, too, from straining to poop. Anal fissures are the most common cause of rectal bleeding in children. Children also get infectious colitis. They're less likely to have chronic diseases, like IBD, diverticulitis or colon cancer, which take time to develop.
Anal Fissure.
If no diarrhea, most of these children have a small tear in the anus. This is called an anal fissure. Anal fissures usually are caused by passage of a large or hard stool. This is the cause in 90% of children with blood in the stools.
If your child suddenly develops blood in their bowel movements and also becomes lethargic, or has abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, a distended (swollen) abdomen, or other unusual symptoms, call their health care provider immediately.
Constipation
The most common cause of pediatric lower GI bleeding, constipation, or passing hard stool, can tear the anal tissue (fissures). In the short term, laxatives or stool softeners can provide relief.
Common benign (non-serious) causes — If you see a small amount of bright red blood on the toilet paper after wiping, on the outside of your stool, or in the toilet, this may be caused by hemorrhoids or an anal fissure. Both of these conditions are benign, and there are treatments that can help.
About rectal bleeding
This is a typical sign of piles (haemorrhoids) or a small tear (anal fissure) in the skin of your anus. Although these are common problems, don't let embarrassment stop you seeing your GP. You should always get rectal bleeding checked to rule out more serious causes.
Blood from higher up in the bowel doesn't look bright red. It goes dark red or black and can make your poo look like tar. This type of bleeding can be a sign of cancer higher up the bowel.
Hemorrhoids in children are caused by children sitting on hard surfaces for too long, straining to have a bowel movement, having an unbalanced diet, inflammatory bowel disease, being sedentary or inherited from parents.
“If the blood is more black or tar-like, that might signal an issue in the small intestine or stomach.” If you only have blood on the tissue when you wipe but not in your stool, this is more likely to be hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which should be confirmed by your doctor.
Bloody or slimy stool may be a sign of infection. It may also mean inflammation of the large intestine or rectum. Children with bloody stool may have an infection or inflammatory bowel disease. If your baby or child's stool has a red, jelly-like appearance, see a doctor right away.
Hemorrhoids in babies aren't common, but they can happen. Chronic liver failure can lead to hemorrhoids. Constipation is also a cause of hemorrhoids in infants and toddlers. Rectal bleeding is the most common sign.
For minimal bleeding due to hemorrhoids or rectal fissures, physicians will usually direct home treatment with lots of water, ice packs and possibly over the counter ointments or suppositories to create movement in the bowels or to soften the stool. Emergency treatment might include an IV in the case of dehydration.
In many cases, rectal bleeding is associated with minor and easily treatable conditions, such as hemorrhoids. However, if you notice bright red blood in the stool, you should consult your physician and have a physical exam.
No amount of blood in the stool is normal, but some causes may be more dangerous than others.
Children may strain while passing stool either due to constipation or digestion problems. The digestive disorder can be one of the reasons for piles in children. Make your child eat healthily. Not eating healthy and not drinking enough water can lead to constipation.
Constipation is the most common cause. Constipation means your child's poop is hard and dry. This makes it hard for them to poop. Sitting on the toilet and working hard to poop without being able to go (straining) can cause hemorrhoids.
They can occur at any age but are more common between the ages of 45 and 65. Among younger people, they are most common in people who are pregnant. Although they can be embarrassing to talk about, anyone can get hemorrhoids, even healthy young people in good shape.
There are several likely causes of mild rectal bleeding that does not require treatment, such as temporary constipation or hemorrhoids, as well as dehydration, which can result in hard stools that injure the anus or rectum while passing. In most cases, the bleeding stops once the underlying cause has been resolved.
Certain foods may cause your stools to look red. These include cranberries, tomatoes, beets, or food that is dyed red. Other foods may cause your stools to look black. These include blueberries, dark leafy vegetables, or black licorice.
Colorectal cancers can often bleed into the digestive tract. Sometimes the blood can be seen in the stool or make it look darker, but often the stool looks normal. But over time, the blood loss can build up and can lead to low red blood cell counts (anemia).
Common causes include: hard stools (poo) haemorrhoids (also known as piles), which are often associated with constipation. anal fissure (a small tear in the opening of the anus) or fistula (a small channel that develops between the anus and skin)
Rectal bleeding with no pain
Hemorrhoids aren't always painful, but the same is true of colorectal cancer. Not being in pain isn't a reason to skip a trip to the doctor, especially if you have other symptoms, like changes to your stool or nausea.
Bleeding attributed to internal hemorrhoids is usually bright red and can be quite brisk. It may be found on the toilet paper, dripping into the toilet bowl, or streaked on the stool itself.