Strange mucus in daughters diaper

[rankdlc]

My daughter is 13 mos old.  Last week she passed gas and when I checked her diaper there was mucus in it.  She had no bowel movement just mucus with a very small tinge of blood.  I took her to the doctor that evening and he examened her and did not seem to be concerned.  He wanted to see if she had a bladder infection becuase of the blood but there was no urin in the diaper.  She does not appear to be in any pain and did not flinch when she did pass the mucus.  Everything was fine until today being Sunday and she had a regular bowel movement twice today, one a little looser then the other but normal.  Then she had a loose bowel movement and there was mucus in it and a little tinge of blood.  Maybe 2 droplets if that.  She has just switched to whole milk and is constantly trying new foods.  Could this be a factor.  I just do not want to keep rushing to the doctor when he did not seem to be to worried.  She is very energetic and happy she has never cried with these bowel movements.  A friend said possible hemroids but how would she get them so young.  Any advice would be greatful.  She had a fever 2 days prior to this all happening but it was low grade and she gets them off and on with her teeth.  Thank you in advance.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without examination.  There are various systemic diseases that can lead to mucous in the stool.  This can include various causes of malabsorption - including celiac disease or fat malabsorption.  Lactose intolerance can cause loose bowel movements.  There are also cases of chronic pancreatitis that can lead to mucous-like substances in the stool.  

You can consider blood tests looking for pancreatitis or celiac disease.  Stool samples can be obtained an analyzed for possible causes of malabsorption.  

If the symptoms continue, one can consider endoscopy for further evalation.  This normally is done in conjunction with a pediatric gastroenterologist.  

You can discuss these options with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[Inanga]

my guess would be a food sensitivity - she could be a celiac in which case the problem would be gluten. Could also be the milk. I'd go back to scratch and slowly reintroduce foods one at a time - say one a week or at least few days. I think you should find the problem that way - My bet is on the milk.

[rankdlc]

She does not seem to be in any pain and I am not sure how to cut out the milk to find out as it is still a source of fat for her brain development and she is in the low percentile for her wait gain.  She is not skinney by any means but lean.  Thanks for your reply.

[astros18]

If her "normal" bowel movements are hard or she strains to push them out, her intestines may be producing mucous to help pass her bowel movement. The blood could possibly be from straining. Make sure that she is drinking enough water and eating fruits that may help her go more easily. If it continues and you are still concerned, by all means take her to the doctor until you get answers.

[hammi04]

Two of my children had ibs and they had mucas in their stools.  i increased their fiber as they grew older.

[Emilys Mom]

Since you just started on whole milk, it may be Lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy. I would try going back to the formula that you were previously on and see if it provides relief. If it does, then it is most likely the whole milk causing the problem.