9 YO Boy with blood in stool

[Mama Soltera]

He says it's been going on for a week, maybe more. He showed me today. It was strung along the outside of the stool and mucousy looking. His stools looked firmer than they've been earlier in his life. He says he hasn't felt sick or had stomach pain at all. He said he sees a little of the blood when he wipes on the toilet paper. I asked him if he's been having a hard time pooping and he said no. I said I remember his poops always being smooth and soft, has it been harder lately? He said yes. I told him about anal fissures and he said he did have a poop that hurt recently. He said it occassionally itches but I haven't seen any itching or heard anything from him that would indicate pinworms or anything.

So, am I right in thinking this is probably anal fissures? And how long is too long to be seeing blood in the stool? And he eats healthy and his poops are still quick (as in it only takes him a minute or two to go), so I'm not sure what I can do about their consistency changing recently. I would appreciate any help with this.

[Mama Soltera]

And no, he's never had anything like this before. And I did talk him into letting me take a look at the rectum and it looked completely fine and normal, from the outside to the naked eye at least. His eating habits haven't changed either.

[Nicks Mom]

If his poops have been harder, that could be causing little tears - especially if he's straining... I would probably call the pediatrician just to run it by them though - at least then you could have peace of mind.  One thing that I remember reading though is that it's "better" if it's fresh blood (as opposed to dark brown old blood) because it shows that it's closer to the rectum and probably more likely from something not too scary.
 

[sbgrace]

Bright red is generally less concerning. I would be thinking fissures too if he were mine with that description but I'd probably also run it by the pediatrician/HCP.

[Mama Soltera]

That's good to know. Now it hasn't happened since I posted this thread. Thanks for your input. :)

[Mama Soltera]

Also meant to say: I will update if it turns out to be anything other than fissures.