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The information provided by The Pediatric Group, PLLC website is information of a general nature and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be relied on for personal medical reasons and should not be relied upon as providing specific medical advice or for diagnosis or treatment. All information contained on this website is presented as is, without any warranties of any kind, express or implied.
Please note that visiting this website alone does not establish a physician-patient relationship with any physician engaged by The Pediatric Group, PLLC. You should consult your own physician for specific advice for your own personal situation.
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Constipation A
child is constipated if it hurts to have a bowel movement or he is
unable to pass a bowel movement after straining or pushing for more
than 10 minutes. Hard, clay-like stools, rather than infrequent
stooling, are the primary indicator of constipation. Going four or
more days without a bowel movement may also be considered constipation
in children; however, breast
fed babies may
normally
stool only 1-2
times per week.
Constipation is
often due to some temporary change in the child’s diet or exercise
level. Additional causes include a high milk diet, lack of fiber
in the diet, and postponing stools. Constipation is very common
in children who are being potty trained, and is usually easy to solve
with dietary changes. After your child is better, be sure to keep
him/her on a rather non-constipating diet and a regular toilet sitting
schedule to prevent it from happening again.
Home Care:
Babies
and
Children under age 3:
- Try a 20 minute sitz bath in warm water (2 ounces baking soda per
tub). This will help many children relax the
anal sphincter and release the bowel movement.
- If the sitz bath doesn’t work, insert 1 or 2 glycerin
suppositories to smooth the way (available over the
counter). For children under 12 months of age, use the infant
size.
- For children less than 3 years of age, if no suppositories are
available, try gentle rectal stimulation for 10
seconds using a lubricated cotton swab.
Children
over
age 3:
- You may try 1 tablespoon of mineral oil mixed with cold milk,
juice, applesauce, etc. one to two times each
day. This usually works in 2-3 days and is a safe and effective
way to loosen stools.
- If the mineral oil doesn’t work, some good laxatives you can buy
at your drug or grocery store without a prescription
are Senokot®, Benefiber®, or FiberChoice®. They come
in liquid or powder form and are best mixed with
milk. Note: Laxatives should only be used when
necessary and should never be used for more
than 3 days.
Suggestions
to
help avoid constipation:
- For babies 1-3 months of age
who are only on breast milk or
formula, add fruit juices to the diet. They
may have one ounce for each month of age twice a day. For
example, a 3 month old child would get 3 ounces of
juice twice a day; a 2 month old would get 2 ounces twice a day, etc.
Pear, prune or apple juice is okay at any
age. White grape juice is not very helpful.
- For
infants older than four months of age, also add baby foods
with high fiber content twice a day
(peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums, spinach).
- For
children older than 12 months of age, increase fruit
juice. Citrus fruit juices are not helpful. Add fruits and
vegetables high in fiber content 3
times a day. Increase whole grain foods (bran
flakes, bran muffins, graham crackers, oatmeal, whole wheat bread,
brown rice). Decrease milk products (milk, ice
cream, cheese, yogurt) to 3 servings a day. Be sure your child
drinks plenty of water.
- Sitting
on the toilet (if potty trained): Establish a
regular bowel pattern by sitting on the toilet for
10 minutes after meals, especially breakfast. If you child is
resisting potty training by holding back, temporarily stop training and
put him/her back in diapers.
Call
our
office
during regular hours if:
- Your child gets cramps or pain that last
over two hours.
- There is any blood in the bowel movements.
- Your child goes three days without a bowel
movement after implementing our dietary recommendations.
The National Institutes of Health website has some great information on constipation in children.
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