Differential Diagnosis for Mucous and Blood in Stool of a 7-Month-Old
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Allergic Proctocolitis: This condition is common in infants and is characterized by the presence of blood and mucus in the stool, often due to a milk protein allergy or other dietary sensitivities. The age of the patient and the symptoms presented make this a highly plausible diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Infectious Gastroenteritis: Viral or bacterial infections can cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, blood, and mucus in the stool. The young age of the patient makes them more susceptible to such infections.
- Intussusception: Although more commonly associated with abdominal pain and a classic "currant jelly" stool, intussusception can sometimes present with just blood and mucus in the stool. It's a condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially leading to bowel obstruction.
- Anal Fissure: A tear in the lining of the anus can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements, potentially accompanied by mucus.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hirschsprung's Disease: A congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal bowel, leading to severe constipation or intestinal obstruction. While less common, it's critical to diagnose early to prevent complications.
- Intestinal Intussusception with Lead Point: Conditions like Meckel's diverticulum or polyps can act as a lead point for intussusception, making early diagnosis crucial to prevent severe complications.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Although rare in infants, conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can present with blood and mucus in the stool and require prompt diagnosis and treatment to manage the disease and prevent long-term complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Juvenile Polyps: Benign growths in the intestine can cause bleeding and potentially mucus in the stool, though they are less common in infants.
- Congenital Anomalies of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Various anomalies, such as duplications or atresias, can present with gastrointestinal symptoms, including blood and mucus in the stool, and are critical to identify early for appropriate management.
- Neonatal Hemochromatosis: A rare condition of iron overload that can lead to liver disease and other systemic issues, potentially presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms among others.