Can blood streaks in a baby's stool improve by feeding with amino acid-based formula?
Disease description:
The patient is 1.5 years old. The parents recently noticed blood streaks in the child's stool and have heard that consuming amino acid-based formula might help. They would like to know whether the condition can truly improve with this approach.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
It is not recommended to change your baby's formula blindly.
Seek medical attention promptly and have your baby tested with routine stool tests and occult blood tests to determine the cause. If diagnosed with cow's milk protein allergy, switch to an amino acid-based formula under a doctor's guidance. After consuming this formula for 1-2 weeks, observe your baby's stool. If blood in the stool disappears, continue using the amino acid-based formula for a while before gradually transitioning to an extensively hydrolyzed protein formula and then to a partially hydrolyzed protein formula.
If the condition is caused by a gastrointestinal infection, treatment should be based on the specific pathogen involved. For bacterial infections, antibiotics may be required.
If the cause is anal fissures, ensure your baby drinks plenty of water and receives complementary foods rich in dietary fiber to maintain regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Additionally, maintain proper hygiene of your baby's anal area and apply medication as directed by a physician to promote healing of the fissure.
