Q: My child has black stool and nausea after being discharged for enterovirus. Should we return to the hospital?

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 7-year-old child was hospitalized for severe vomiting from Monday to today and was diagnosed with an enterovirus. After being discharged today, my child started feeling nauseous again in the evening, couldn't eat anything, and then passed a black stool. Should we go back to the hospital for an evaluation?

Answer:

Seeing a black stool right after discharge must have been very alarming.

[What to Check Now]

• The stool's appearance: Is it sticky and shiny like tar (suggesting upper gastrointestinal bleeding) vs. simply dark brown/black?

• Recent intake: Has your child taken iron supplements, bismuth medication (like Pepto-Bismol), dark-colored foods (squid ink, blueberries, black sesame), or activated charcoal?

• Accompanying symptoms: Worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, dizziness, paleness, or cold sweats.

[When to Go to the Hospital]

If any of the following apply → Go to the emergency room for an evaluation tonight.

• Tarry black stool (melena) combined with paleness, dizziness, or cold sweats.

• Vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds.

• Abdominal pain that is getting worse or tenderness when you touch the belly.

• The child is lethargic or has a decreased response.

[When to Observe at Home]

• The stool is simply dark brown, and there's a history of consuming the foods/medications listed above.

• The child is relatively active, and their lip and nail color is normal.

• There is nausea, but the vomiting has stopped.

→ Call the hospital where your child was discharged tomorrow morning, describe the stool's color and appearance, and arrange a follow-up appointment.

[Safety Measures While Waiting or en Route]

• Offer a sip of water every 5-10 minutes (if not vomiting).

• Have the child lie down with their upper body slightly elevated.

• Take a photo of the next stool (this helps the medical staff make a judgment).

To summarize the key points: Tarry stool + paleness/dizziness → Go to the ER tonight. Simple dark stool + the child is otherwise okay → Contact the discharging hospital tomorrow morning.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us