Question
A two-month-old male infant has three bowel movements a day, one of which contains a small amount of blood strands in the stool, with the stool texture being loose and yellowish. How should one handle this situation? A routine blood test has already been conducted, and the results are normal.
Answer
If blood strands are found in an infant’s stool, it is first important to observe the characteristics of the stool. If the stool is dry and the blood strands are attached to the surface of the stool, it may be due to constipation causing hard stool that scratches the inner wall of the anus. In this case, it is advisable to increase the intake of easily digestible foods for the infant, ensure sufficient hydration, and encourage the consumption of vegetables and fruits. Consider giving probiotics for a period of time to regulate the intestines. If the stool texture is normal but blood strands still persist, it may suggest gastrointestinal inflammation. It is important to take the infant to the hospital for a detailed examination and receive symptomatic treatment based on the examination results.