Bloody Diarrhea in an Infant

Salmonella

• This bacterium is a food-borne illness that can be found in raw chicken and eggs. Infants are more susceptible to contracting salmonella than older children, according to KidsHealth.org. Most cases of salmonella resolve themselves without doctor intervention. However, some severe cases may need treatment. Symptoms of this illness can include vomiting, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Thorough washing of your hands and counter after handling raw meat is recommended. Keep baby bottles and pacifiers in a separate location in the kitchen to prevent accidental contamination.

Shigella

• This highly contagious bacterium is spread person to person and attacks the lining of the large intestines. Shigella can cause the large intestines to swell and develop ulcers on the intestinal wall, which cause bloody diarrhea. According to KidsHealth.org, in severe cases of shigellosis a baby may have seizures and need to be hospitalized. Shigella is found in feces and can be spread by handling toys of an infected person. One way to prevent this GI infection is thorough washing of your hands and disinfecting of toys.

E. coli

• This is another bacterium that can be spread through undercooked meat and raw vegetables, according to KidsHealth.org. It can also be found in lake water. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. For infants whose parents make homemade baby food by pureeing vegetables, make certain the vegetables did not come from a farm that uses manure as fertilizer. Also wash all vegetables thoroughly before pureeing.

Giardia

• According to KidsHealth.org, Giardia is a parasite that can spread through contaminated water and human to human. This parasite is resistant to chlorine so it can be found at water parks and in pools. Chronic diarrhea, sometimes with bloody mucus, is caused by Giardia and can cause dehydration. Do not take your infant into lakes where he may get contaminated water accidentally into his mouth. When in a pool, keep the baby's head above water at all times.

Dehydration

• Long bouts of diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is a major concern for infants and can be life-threatening. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lack of urine output, dry mouth or no tears when crying are all symptoms of dehydration. Babies will sometimes cry more and when offered a bottle with drink it eagerly. Also, infants can have sunken soft spots on the top of their head if they are dehydrated. To prevent dehydration, replace the fluids and electrolytes she has lost. Formula-fed babies should be switched to a lactose-free formula because lactose can worsen diarrhea. If breastfeeding, continue to do so. If an infant develops any symptom of dehydration, seek medical attention immediately.