Q: My child has stomach pain and blood in their stool. Should we go to the emergency room tonight?
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question: My child had loose stools twice this afternoon. This evening, they kept going to the bathroom complaining of stomach pain even though barely anything came out, and I noticed what looks like blood or a reddish tinge in the stool. There is no fever, and they have now fallen asleep after complaining of pain. Should we take them to the emergency room tonight?
Answer:
Seeing blood in your child's stool can certainly be frightening. A combination of loose stools, frequent urges with little output (tenesmus), abdominal pain, and blood in the stool requires careful observation. However, the fact that your child does not have a fever and is currently sleeping peacefully is a reassuring sign.
Most commonly, this presentation is caused by infectious gastroenteritis (such as bacterial enteritis), but conditions such as intussusception, severe constipation with a fissure, or other gastrointestinal issues may need to be evaluated depending on the child's age and symptom progression.
Seek immediate emergency care (ER) if you observe any of the following:
A moderate to large amount of bright red blood or dark, jelly-like stools
The child wakes up crying inconsolably with intense, severe abdominal pain (especially if recurring in intervals or if they pull their knees to their chest)
Onset of vomiting, especially if it is green (bilious)
Extreme lethargy, pale skin, cold extremities, or difficulty waking up
If your child is currently stable and sleeping:
Monitor closely: Check on your child every 2 to 3 hours overnight to ensure they are resting comfortably and breathing normally.
Hydration: If they wake up, offer small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution, but do not force fluids.
Document the stool: If they have another bowel movement, take a clear photo of the diaper or toilet contents so a physician can assess the appearance and amount of blood.
Because any bloody stool warrants an in-person medical evaluation, have your child examined by a pediatrician first thing in the morning if they sleep through the night without worsening symptoms. If severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or significant bleeding develops at any point overnight, proceed to the nearest emergency room immediately.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
