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My friend's 26 month old son is having trouble making a bowel movement. He strains, and when they come, they're gooey, mushy. He eats prunes once a day, and I advised cheese, to harden his bowels up, but that may be wrong. The mother says her daughter, now grown, when she was a baby had a sack of poo-poo with blood in it, attatched inside her bottom, which at the hospital they removed with a lazer. She is thinking this might be a simular thing. What should she do? I am unsure if she can afford to take him to a doctor right now. Please help. Thank You

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Male , Age: 26 months

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The mother has tried different fruits to ease the baby's bowel movements

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She needs to continue to increase the fiber in his diet, as well as water. Cheese can cause constipation, which will increase the problem. White bread, flour, rice,and noodles will also tend to cause constipation. If he just strains a bit to push the bm out (like maybe his face turns red and he grunts), that is okay. If he is straining to the point that he cries or if there is blood in the stools, then she needs to take him to his health care provider.

Let me know if you need further information. Please remember to click the accept button if this information is helpful. Thanks. JeanRN

Reply to Jean Murphy's Post: Thank You. She tells me the baby cries sometimes, but there is no blood in his stool. I gave her your advice, and also gave her some Armor Hammond baking soda to put in his diaper. I advised her to gently wash his rash, and to let him around the house without a diaper for a few hours, so the air will help dry up the rash, at least. If the problem persists, she will take him to a doctor.

One of the most effective ways to take care of a rash is to discontinue use of the diaper wipes and just use warm water and a washcloth or paper towel. The alcohol in the wipes can be very irritating. Then, some desitin or butt past applied to a dry bottom will help protect it.

Let me know if you need further information. Please remember to click the accept button if this information is helpful. Thanks. JeanRN

Relist: I prefer a second opinion.
My friend would like some affect to take place sooner than the answer we were given, if possible. The 26 month old baby is crying a lot recently. Is there anything that can help right away? I would also really like the opinion of a doctor. Thank You.

Your postings include a number of complaints for this child.
The problem with the bowels - How long has this been going on? It is worse today?

Pain - Is the pain only when he tries to move his bowel?

Rash - When did the rash start? Can you describe the rash?

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Reply to Family Physician's Post: The bowel problem started since he was born, and been more severe in the last 16 months. His face turn red, and he cries when he tries a bowel movement, but no blood. His stools are dense, really thick. The rash as the parents know started yesterday, as far as they are aware. The rash appears to be a typical diaper rash, but is extrememly red. Thanks for you help, Dr.

For the pain - I would suggest Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) with the dose based on his weight.

I would suggest that you try a glycerin suppository - this may help to lubricate and stimulate the bowel movement. These are available over-the-counter

Here are some other good ideas
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T081100.asp

If he is in that much pain now, it may be reasonable to go to the ER tonight

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