Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED for bloody stools (also called "bowel movements"). This means they had a bowel movement and had blood in their diaper, on the toilet paper after wiping, in the toilet, or on the surface of or mixed in with the bowel movement. In some cases, a bloody bowel movement might look more like tar.
Many things can cause bloody bowel movements in children. Some are serious things like infection, or diseases or other problems that affect the digestive system. Less serious things like anal fissures (a tear in the skin on the anus), problems digesting milk or soy, or swallowing blood from a nosebleed can also cause bloody bowel movements.
The doctor thinks your child's bloody bowel movements are likely not caused by something serious. You can manage their symptoms at home.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Help your child take all their medicines as instructed.
●Try to keep their bowel movements soft. Offer them lots of water and high-fiber foods. Fiber is common in fruits, vegetables, and breakfast cereal. If your child seems constipated, talk to their doctor or nurse.
●Ask your child's regular doctor if you should make changes to your child's diet. For example, they might recommend avoiding milk or soy.
●Help your child have a regular schedule to try and have bowel movements. Teach them not to ignore the urge to go to the bathroom. Give them plenty of time to have bowel movements.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if your child:
•Passes out
•Is too weak to stand
●Return to the ED if:
•Your child's bleeding increases a lot.
•Your child vomits blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
•Only blood (and not bowel movements) comes out of your child's anus.
•Your child is dizzy or lightheaded.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if your child:
●Has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
●Vomits a lot
●Has new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Bloody stools in children (The Basics)
Patient education: High-fiber diet (The Basics)
Patient education: Blood in bowel movements (rectal bleeding) in babies and children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High-fiber diet (Beyond the Basics)
