STOOLS, BLOOD IN

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR ANAL FISSURE (Pending Talking with Your Doctor)

  1. Definition: An anal fissure is the #1 cause of blood in stools
    • The blood is bright red, but only a few streaks or flecks are present
    • All the blood is on the surface of the stool or on the toilet tissue after wiping
    • Usually follows passage of a large or hard bowel movement (BM)
    • You may see a shallow tear at 6 or 12 o'clock on the anus
  2. Fluids: Sip clear fluids only (e.g. water, flat soft drinks or ½ strength fruit juice) until the pain is gone for 2 hours.  Then slowly return to a regular diet.
  3. Warm Saline Baths: Give warm saline baths for 20 minutes 3 times per day to cleanse the area and to promote healing. Add 2 oz. of table salt or baking soda to a tub of warm water.
  4. Ointments: If the anus seems irritated, apply 1% hydrocortisone ointment 3 times per day to help healing.
  5. High-Fiber Diet: For children more than 1 year old, offer a nonconstipating diet. Increase fruits, vegetables and grains (fiber).  Reduce milk products to 3 servings per day. If CONSTIPATION is definitely the cause, see that topic.
  6. Expected Course: Anal fissures usually heal up quickly with home treatment.
  7. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Bleeding increases in amount
    • The bleeding recurs > 2 times after treatment begins.
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

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