Blood in Stool
Question
Hello Dr. Mike, I have a 3 week old who has been on Similac with Iron, Isomil, and Alimuenium, and lastly Nutramagin. She is also on Zantac daily. Her irritation from esophageal reflux seems better but she still has blood in her stool and if very irritable while eating and moving bowels. My Pediatrician has advised us to try NEOCATE formula and is sending us to specialist. He says he has no other options for us at this point. Can you tell me is formula the only reason in infants we would see blood in stool?
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Sincerely, Erin F Brockton, MA
Answer
Hi Ms. F,
There are other reasons for blood in the stool. Is your baby a premie? Has your doc thoroughly examined your little one for fissures (cracks around the rectum)? It sounds like you have been referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist, which is the next step. Blood can sometimes be due to a baby’s bowels’ intolerance to some formulas, but it can be due to other reasons. The first step is to perform a thorough exam of your little one. A pediatric gastroenterologist should be helpful.
