“What causes long strings coming out of your butt?”
My 6 year old autistic nonverbal grandson had on two different occasions had long strings coming out of his butt. They were about a foot long. He also has been taking his clothes off and digging in his butt and smearing feces all over. Should I take him to see a doctor? It is very traumatic for him to go to doctor.
Male | 6 years old
Complaint duration: one week
Conditions: autistic nonverbal
7 Answers
PediatricEmergencyMedicineSpecialistPediatrician
He might be eating string/shoelaces as one possibility. Pinworms are white and small so doubtful. Usually other worms like tapeworms can be long but are fleshy looking. Would recommend seeing a doctor or at least take pictures to show his doctor what is coming out as way to start the conversation.
Yes, see a doctor -- consult both a gastroenterologist and a psychologist.
Autistic children sometimes eat non food items so if he is swallowing shoe laces or pieces of cloth that can cause strings to come out. To keep his hands away from his feces you could put a diaper on with a pain of underwear over it. You might try to find out if your doctor will do a video visit with you so he doesn't have to go into the office.
The answer is yes - ASAP. Pediatric Physician. See this link for some possible insight into your question:
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/causes-narrow-stringy-stools
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/causes-narrow-stringy-stools
Can you be more specific on the strings? What kind of material? It’s not uncommon for children with autism to eat inedible things. He could be eating something you aren’t aware of and it’s difficult to pass through the GI tract.
Check for worms!
I do realize with full empathy that it could be traumatic for him to go to see doctor. However, in my honest professional opinion, he definitely needs to see a doctor, preferably pediatrician or pediatric psychiatrist but at least a GP for the assessment ASAP. please.
