Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 9, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for a 5-year-old with Blood in Stool

Single most likely diagnosis

  • Constipation with anal fissure: This is a common condition in children, where hard stools cause a tear in the anal lining, leading to painful defecation and blood in the stool. The age of the child and the presence of blood in stool make this a likely diagnosis.

Other Likely diagnoses

  • Gastroenteritis: Infections of the gastrointestinal tract can cause inflammation and bleeding, leading to blood in the stool. Viral or bacterial gastroenteritis is common in children and can present with bloody stools.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Although less common in young children, IBD should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
  • Food allergy or intolerance: Allergic reactions to certain foods, such as cow's milk or eggs, can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloody stools.

Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)

  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another, causing bowel obstruction and potentially life-threatening complications. Although rare, intussusception is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Meckel's diverticulum: A congenital anomaly of the small intestine that can cause bleeding, obstruction, or inflammation. Although rare, Meckel's diverticulum can be a life-threatening condition if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): A condition characterized by hemolytic anemia, acute kidney injury, and thrombocytopenia, often associated with E. coli infections. HUS is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Rare diagnoses

  • Juvenile polyps: Benign growths in the colon that can cause bleeding, although rare in young children.
  • Vascular malformations: Abnormalities of the blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract that can cause bleeding.
  • Gastrointestinal lymphoma: A type of cancer that can cause bleeding, although extremely rare in children.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.