Although a fissure can occur for a variety of reasons in adults, it's also something that affects many children. Whereas you'd likely notice if you had a fissure right away, catching the issue if it affects your child is a little more difficult — especially with younger children who can't tell you what's going on. This is a condition of which it's important to be vigilant, and if you believe that your child could have a fissure, you should schedule an appointment with his or her pediatrician or your family doctor as soon as possible. Here are some ways that you can assess whether your young child may have a fissure:
The Child Cries After A Bowel Movement
Children can cry for a seemingly infinite number of reasons, including some related to going to the bathroom. For example, a child may cry when he or she has a dirty diaper. Because having a bowel movement with a fissure can often be painful, try to notice if your child cries after a bowel movement. Generally, a child with a dirty diaper will settle down after the diaper has been changed. However, if your child continues to show signs of being upset, and this behavior is common after bowel movements, it could be a sign of a fissure.
A Tear Is Visible
Another way to assess your child if you believe that he or she might have a fissure is to visually inspect the child's anus. This is something that you can do when you're changing the child's diaper and wiping his or her bottom. Fissures aren't always visible, and you may have trouble noticing something. However, you may also be able to see a small tear around the opening of the anus. Likely, this area will appear red and may be swollen a little, too.
Blood Is Present In The Diaper
When a fissure is present, it can bleed a little during a bowel movement. Even though you probably aren't keen on carefully looking at your child's dirty diaper as you change it, it's a good idea to notice whether any blood might be present. If the child usually has loose stools or even diarrhea, he or she may have a fissure that doesn't bleed. However, upon passing a thicker stool, blood can often result. If you identify any of these signs, make sure to get your child medical care right away.
Contact a company like Pilipshen Colon & Rectal Surgical Services for more information and assistance.
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