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How can you care for your child who has gastrointestinal bleeding?
- Be safe with medicines. Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Do not give anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), without talking to your doctor first.
- Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- The bleeding may increase your child's risk for a low red blood cell count (anemia).
Gastrointestinal bleeding: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have sudden, severe belly pain.
- You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- Your stools are maroon or very bloody.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
- Your stools are black and look like tar, or they have streaks of blood.
- You have belly pain.
- You vomit or have nausea.
- You have trouble swallowing, or it hurts when you swallow.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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