If you’re a parent, you’ve probably found yourself paying closer attention to what’s in the potty or in your child’s diaper than you ever expected. That’s because your child’s stool can offer important clues about digestion, nutrition, and overall health. Our pediatricians at The Baton Rouge Clinic and Affinity Health have seen it all and are breaking down what’s normal, what’s not, and when you should see your pediatrician.
Stool Color
Your child’s stool can range in color, and can be brown, yellow, or even green, depending on what they eat. For example, if your little one loves lots of green vegetables (or has a cupcake with bright blue frosting!), their poop may be green. However, red, white, or black poop can indicate an issue.
- Red poop: Red stool can indicate anal fissures or lower gastrointestinal bleeding, but it can also be caused by red foods, red food dye, or certain medicines. If you believe the red color is caused by blood, you should immediately see your pediatrician for further evaluation.
- White poop: White, gray, or light tan stool occurs when there is a lack of bile and can indicate a problem with the liver or gallbladder. There could be a serious underlying problem, and you should see the pediatrician directly. However, white poop isn’t always a cause for concern as some antidiarrhea medications can also cause white stools. Schedule a visit with your child’s pediatrician to know for sure.
- Black poop: Eating black foods or consuming foods rich in iron can cause black stool, but black poop can also indicate bleeding or other injuries within the gastrointestinal tract, especially if the stool looks like tar. You should contact your child’s doctor if you suspect that diet is not the cause of black poop.
Stool Consistency
The consistency of your child’s poop should be soft, easy to pass, and should be shaped like a snake or a sausage. If your child is passing hard stools or watery stools, there may be an issue.
- Hard Stools: This is a sign of constipation. Hard stools are often painful for kids, and they can be caused by a lack of fiber in the diet, dehydration, or a medical condition. Constipation may result in belly pain and a feeling of being full even after using the bathroom. You should see your child’s pediatrician if you’re concerned about hard stools that last longer than two weeks.
- Diarrhea: This causes watery, loose stools. Your child may also have other symptoms, such as vomiting, stomach pain, and fever. Diarrhea may be caused by an infection like a virus, bacteria, or a parasite or can be related to an issue with cells in your child’s digestive tract caused by lactose intolerance, food allergies, or a high-sugar diet. Additionally, it could be a symptom of a serious disease and can cause dehydration, so it’s important to see your child’s pediatrician if diarrhea is ongoing.
When to See a Pediatrician
When stool patterns in your child change, it’s a good idea to take note and take action. Your pediatrician is here to help. As a heads up, you may be asked to bring a sample of your child’s stool to the pediatrician for lab testing. This way, they can identify the source of the issue and provide treatment options specific to your child. If you’re looking for compassionate pediatric care, reach out to The Baton Rouge Clinic or Affinity Health Group today. With decades of combined experience, our team possesses the skills and knowledge to treat your child, no matter the concern. Request your appointment online or call (225) 246-9290 today.