Rectal bleeding refers to any blood that passes from the anus (where stool, or poop, exits the body). It can show up in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet, and can range from bright red to almost black. Kids can have rectal bleeding for different reasons, most of which are not serious. More to Know Causes Different things can cause rectal bleeding; these are some of the most common: Anal fissures: These small tears are the most common cause of rectal bleeding in children. They can hapen when passing a large or hard stool, which stretches the lining of the anus until it tears, or when frequent diarrhea irritates the lining. The tears can cause pain or itching in the area, especially during and after a bowel movement (BM). Fissures are very common in babies, and usually heal completely with basic care. In older kids and teens, the cuts can take several weeks or longer to heal and sometimes tear open again. The three F's (fluids, fiber, and fitness) and, in some cases, stool softeners can help make BMs easier to pass. Keeping the area clean and applying ointments can relieve pain and speed healing. Constipation: This is when someone has painful (hard, dry, and unusually large) or less frequent bowel movements (BMs). The three F's — fluids, fiber, and fitness — can help prevent and control most cases of constipation. Hemorrhoids: A frequent complaint of pregnant women, but not common among kids, these are varicose veins in the anus or rectum. They may bleed, itch, or sting, especially during or after a bowel movement. Again, fluids, fiber, and fitness can help prevent constipation (a leading cause of hemorrhoids) and control many instances of hemorrhoids. Polyps: These small growths of tissue in the lining of the rectum or colon may bleed during or after a bowel movement. More serious causes of rectal bleeding include: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which refers to two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both can cause frequent diarrhea, so blood often appears in the stool. In severe cases, continued small amounts of blood loss can lead to anemia. Intestinal infections caused by bacteria (such as shigella, salmonella, and campylobacter), viruses, or parasites. Many of these can be prevented with good hand-washing and food safety habits. Sometimes, food allergies and blood-clotting problems also can lead to rectal bleeding. Treatment Drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods with fiber, and exercising regularly can help treat and prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures. Keeping the area clean and applying ointments can relieve pain and speed healing. Rarely, a fissure doesn't heal and the doctor may recommend surgery. Keep in Mind The conditions that cause more serious cases of rectal bleeding will be treated by doctors. For instance, IBD is a chronic (long-term) condition that requires continuing care to help manage symptoms. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles A to Z: Anal Fissure An anal fissure is a cut or tear in the lining of the anus. Read More A to Z: Encopresis Encopresis (soiling) is a condition that causes a child beyond the age of toilet training to have bowel movements (poop) in his or her underwear. Read More Constipation Constipation is a very common problem that usually happens because a person's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, making simple changes can help you feel better. Read More Constipation If you aren't pooping like usual, you could be constipated. Read More Constipation Constipation is a very common problem among kids, and it usually occurs because a child's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, simple changes can help kids go. Read More First Aid: Constipation Constipation is when a child has fewer bowel movements than usual. Ease constipation with the three Fs: fluid, fiber, and fitness. Read More How Can I Tell if My Baby Is Constipated? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Word! Constipation Sometimes your bowel movements - you know, the stuff inside your intestines we call poop - might be hard and dry. Read More Fiber Some of the best and most delicious foods have loads of fiber. Find out how to get your fill of fiber! Read More Fiber Many appetizing foods are also good sources of fiber - from fruits to whole-grain cereals. Here are ways to help kids get more fiber in their everyday diets. Read More Word! Fiber Foods with fiber are really good for you and your bowels! Read More Stool Test: Fecal Blood Stool samples can provide information about a problem in the GI system. To test the stool for the presence of blood, a noninvasive test - the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) - is performed. Read More Diarrhea Nearly everybody gets diarrhea every once in a while, and it's usually caused by gastrointestinal infections. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Read this article to learn more. Read More Inflammatory Bowel Disease It's normal to get a stomachache once in a while, but some kids have something more serious called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Find out more about it. Read More Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease is an ongoing illness caused by an inflammation of the intestines. There are two kinds of IBD: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. 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