Baby Spitting Up Blood: When To Seek Medical Attention

While spitting is common in infants, blood in your infant’s spit up can be a sign of concern. Though, in some cases, spitting up blood might be harmless, in some cases, it might be a sign of an underlying condition. As per a report released by the American Academy of Pediatrics, almost 50 percent of infants experience spitting up during the initial three months of their birth. However, blood in the spit up is not so common and needs to be addressed immediately.

Read below this article to explore the reasons behind your baby spitting up blood and when you should seek medical attention.

Causes Behind Baby Spitting Up Blood

From minor injury to infection, there are several possible causes of blood in a baby's spit up. Some of the primary causes include

Cracked or bleeding Nipples

Blood in a mother's nipples is one of the most common reasons behind blood in a baby's spit. This happens when the nipples turn cracker or sore, resulting in some amounts of blood being ingested by your baby, which may then appear in its spit up.

Minor Injuries in Baby’s Mouth or Throat

Sometimes, your baby might get a small cut in its mouth or throat, due to which the blood might mix up with their spit.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

GERD is another stomach condition that can irritate the eosophagus and lead to a small amount of bleeding.

Milk protein allergy

Some babies might have a milk protein allergy that can lead to irritation and inflammation of the small intestine, thereby resulting in blood in the spit-up.

Infection

Infections in the eosophagus of the gastrointestinal tract are another common reason behind blood in the spit-up or stool.

Swallowed Blood During Delivery

In a few circumstances, when a baby swallows some amounts of blood during delivery, blood can appear in your baby’s spit up during the initial days of birth.

Diagnosis and Preventive Measures: When to Seek a Doctor?

Though not all cases of blood in the spit up require immediate medical attention, it is important to diagnose the condition and know when to actually consult a doctor. Your baby might need immediate medical attention if

There is persistent blood over multiple feedings.
There are large amounts of blood in the spit-up or stool.
You notice associated symptoms, such as lethargy, vomiting, irritability, fever, or low appetite.
There is a family history of blood clotting disorders.
Blood in spit up accompanied by blood in stool
If you notice blood after a fall or injury, which might indicate internal bleeding,.

If you suspect any such complications, it is best to consult your child’s doctor immediately, who may then recommend tests like ultrasound, blood, and stool tests to diagnose the condition and suggest the next steps.

Besides, here are a few preventive measures to reduce the risk of the appearance of blood in your baby’s spit up

For breastfeeding babies, ensure you follow the right latching techniques to avoid nipple cracking or bleeding.
If your baby has a milk protein allergy, switch to a dairy-free diet on the recommendation of a pediatrician.
Create a safe environment at home to avoid any risks of internal injuries from a fall or other circumstances.

Takeaway

Blood in your baby’s spit-up is not always an alarming indication. However, sometimes it can indicate some underlying conditions like internal injuries, infections, or clotting disorders. Therefore, if you suspect any such condition, get your baby diagnosed to ensure its safety. You may also check for associated symptoms that accompany the underlying condition. If you have other concerns related to blood in your baby’s spit up, you can consult a pediatrician.