A toddler with constipation may have a small amount of blood on the outside of his stool, from trauma to the delicate rectal tissue as the hardened or larger-than-normal stool passes. A toddler with fever along with bloody diarrhea, especially if the blood is mixed with the stool or if large amounts of blood are seen, may have a more serious condition and needs medical evaluation. Call your child's doctor if these symptoms occur together.
Potential Causes
Bacterial infections that affect the gastrointestinal tract can cause bloody stool and fever. Escherichia coli infection often causes bloody diarrhea, the American Academy of Family Physicians explains. Fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting and weakness can accompany an E. coli infection. Salmonella and Yersinia bacteria can also cause bloody diarrhea and fever. These micro-organisms affect small children more often than adults. Campylobacter and shigella infections can also cause these symptoms. Intussusception, an acute illness caused by one part of the intestine telescoping into another, can also cause bloody diarrhea and fever. Viral illnesses and food allergies don't generally cause bloody diarrhea.
Risks
Toddlers with bloody diarrhea and fever face several risks. If a bacteria causes the illness, it can enter the bloodstream, causing widespread infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome can complicate E. coli infection, causing kidney failure. If your toddler has intussusception, which occurs most commonly in boys between the ages of 3 months and 6 years, according to MayoClinic.com, he could develop peritonitis, a serious, life-threatening infection in the lining of the abdominal lining. A toddler with diarrhea and fever could also become dehydrated. Small children dehydrate more quickly than older children or adults from diarrhea and fever also contributes to dehydration. If you toddler loses 5 percent of her body weight, call her doctor, advises pediatrician and author William Sears.
Diagnosis and Treatments
Blood work and stool cultures can help diagnose a gastrointestinal infection. Disorders such as intussusception require medical evaluation. The treatment of a bout of bloody diarrhea and fever will depend on the cause. Intussusception will require surgery to repair the area. A bacteria infection will often require antibiotic treatment. A toddler with severe dehydration from diarrhea and fever may need hospitalization for intravenous fluids.
Prevention
Disorders like intussusception can't be prevented. Bacterial infections can also be difficult to prevent, but following some food safety rules can help. Many bacterial infections that affect the gut are transmitted in undercooked meats or foods contaminated during the growing process or during manufacturing. Wash your hands before eating or cooking to prevent transmission of bacteria to your food. Refrigerate leftovers promptly after eating, and take care not to contaminate other foods with uncooked meat juices. Thaw meat in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature.
References
- Ask Dr. Sears; Diarrhea; William Sears, M.D.
- American Academy of Family Physicians; E. Coli Infection; February 2011
- Poop Report; Blood in Poop -- Food Poisoning?; Dr. Adams
- MayoClinic.com; Intussusception; September 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Yersinia Enterocolitica; October 2005
