Advice on DS's frequent bowel movements. Allergy related?

[shelsco]

Ds (age 10) was diagnosed with severe peanut allergy in December and we're avoiding anything with traces of nuts on the advice of doctor. I've noticed over the last couple of months he has been having far more frequent bowel movements and just wondered if it is linked to other, undiagnosed allergies. He says it isn't diarrhoea and isn't complaining of stomach aches but he is spending about 10 minutes on the toilet in the morning then runs again as soon as he gets in from school and then again before he goes to bed. I know that's probably not that frequent but he is spending a long time and it's noticeable because he didn't used to go this often. He forgot to flush on one occasion and I noticed blood. However, he said that he hadn't noticed it and when I have asked him since he said there has been no more. It's tricky as he's getting older and so I can't keep such a close eye on things but I do feel concerned. Anybody know what would indicate a link to an allergic condition.

I would advise you to go and see your doctor, because of the blood. He may be constipated, hence the 10 mins and if it is a change for him he may not know if it is normal or not, my daughter had food intollerances which lead to constipation, which thankfully she has now outgrown.

Any blood in stools should be taken seriously and investigated further just to be sure. Has his diet changed much since the peanut allergy diagnosis? Any change in diet can cause a change in bowel movements. Might also be worth getting him tested for coeliac disease.

I think it would be worth checking his stools for a few days before a doctors appointment. Check colour, is there any blood, what is the consistency, do they float or sink. Your son may find it embarrassing, but these are all questions a doctor should ask. Check out the Bristol stool scale for how to best describe your sons stools.

Thanks, I hadn't heard of the Bristol scale. I've made an appointment for tomorrow as I'm getting into a state every time he goes to the toilet! I've already had a look at his stools (much to his disgust!) so hopefully should be able to answer any questions that GP asks.
His diet hasn't really changed since his diagnosis tbh as he never really ate nuts anyway. the only difference is that we are avoiding things with traces of nuts. It just seems a bit coincidental that these symptoms have come up so close to the allergic reaction that led to the diagnosis! He has no pain and isn't ill in himself so I think it probably isn't coeliac but was wondering if he may have some other undiagnosed allergy causing these symptoms?