Question

A six-month-old baby was diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (positive occult blood in stool) last month, and has been experiencing black stools for two months. What symptoms may occur in neonatal gastrointestinal bleeding?

Answer

The symptoms of neonatal gastrointestinal bleeding typically require careful observation and judgment by caregivers. Gastrointestinal bleeding in children can be categorized into upper gastrointestinal bleeding and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, with symptoms varying depending on the amount, speed, and location of the bleeding. Possible symptoms include vomiting blood, bloody stools, black stools, pale complexion, sweating, and even coma or shock. Additionally, depending on the cause of the bleeding, abdominal symptoms may accompany it, such as abdominal masses, abdominal pain, or bloating.