Hi my baby is 24 days old and having blood in stool and pus cell 15-20 hpf in stool? What is the reason?

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Accepted Answer

Seeing blood in the stool of a 24-day-old baby can be concerning, and pus cells in the stool indicate there may be an infection or inflammation. The presence of pus cells (15-20 HPF) suggests some form of gastrointestinal infection or irritation. Here are some potential causes and what you can do:

Possible Causes:

1. Anal Fissures or Tears:

Small cracks in the anus can cause small amounts of blood in the stool, often due to constipation or straining. These are common in newborns and infants.

2. Infection or Gastroenteritis:

A bacterial or viral infection can lead to diarrhea, blood in the stool, and pus cells. Common infections include salmonella, E. coli, or rotavirus.

3. Food Sensitivities/Allergies:

If you’re breastfeeding, your baby might have a sensitivity to something in your diet, such as cow’s milk protein. This can cause inflammation in the intestines, resulting in blood and pus in the stool.

4. Intestinal Inflammation (Colitis):

Conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), though more common in premature infants, can cause inflammation and lead to blood and pus in the stool.

5. Infection from Formula Feeding:

If your baby is on formula, it could be contaminated or not suitable for the baby, leading to gastrointestinal upset.

What You Should Do:

1. Consult Your Pediatrician:

Immediately consult a pediatrician, as the presence of blood and pus in the stool in a newborn can indicate an underlying infection or condition that requires medical attention.

2. Monitor for Other Symptoms:

Watch for signs such as fever, vomiting, irritability, or poor feeding, as these could indicate a more serious infection.

3. Breastfeeding/Formula Considerations:

If you're breastfeeding, ensure your diet is balanced and avoid common allergens. If formula feeding, make sure the formula is appropriate for the baby's age and not causing issues.

4. Stool Test:

The pediatrician may request a stool culture or blood tests to identify the specific cause and start the appropriate treatment.

When to Seek Immediate Care:

If the baby becomes lethargic or refuses to feed.

If the baby has a high fever, persistent vomiting, or other severe symptoms.

Blood in the stool, especially with pus cells, is not something to ignore. Prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary to determine the exact cause and provide the correct treatment.