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Child Chronic Constipation

Sent to Health Experts August 18 2006 at 8:44 AM
   

My son is 17 months old and has suffered from constipation since he was born. He was on a specialized formula as an infant until 1 year of age and he has been on Miralax for almost a year now. Even on the Miralax, he continues to pass stool that is as big if not bigger around than a golf ball. He screams and is in so much pain when he does this...it just tears my heart out that there is nothing I can do. I have brought this up with his doctor numerous times but he doesn't say too much about it. My concerns are that the huge stool could be causing damage to his rectum and that he is dependant on medications such as Miralax. I am cautious with his diet....soy milk, alot of green vegetables, fruit, etc. I even give him prune juice mixed with water every few days. Should I take him to another doctor or a gastroenterologist to get a second opinion? Is this normal for a small child? What steps should I take next? Please help.....

 

Optional Information:
Male , Age: 17 months

Already Tried:
sugar water, high fiber foods, Miralax, prune juice, infant laxative drops, baby lax

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 18 2006 at 8:54 AM (10 minutes and 2 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Hello,

I would certainly consider having him checked by a colorectal specialist. If there are no board certified colorectal specialists in your area, then a gastroenterologist would be a good second choice. Having a second outside the expertise of his pediatrician would provide a specialist's evaulation, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. It would also provide peace of mind.

The problem that may arise is that your son may develop anal fissures or hemorrhoids. It is somewhat common in children to be occasionally constipated, but in the case of your son, passing large stools is painful and needs to be addressed.

You may want to use a glycerin suppository to provide adequate lubrication to facilitate a less painful bowel movement. Your diligence with monitoring fluid and fiber intake is excellent. I would suggest purchasing some dried prunes for him to snack on. Kids usually like them because they are sweet. That might help in addition to the prune juice.

Here is some info, please let me know if you have any further questions.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/constipation/DS00063

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anal-fissure/DS00762

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hemorrhoids/DS00096


Reply
August 18 2006 at 9:34 AM (40 minutes and 1 second later)
         
Reply to Deborah's Post: Do you think it could be something going on internally that is causing these problems? I understand that children do get constipated, but is it normal for a child to struggle this long and have this degree of a problem? In order to take him to a pediatric gastroenterologist, I will have to travel out of town b/c there are none close by. I am trying to avoid the travel if what is going on with him is normal. I just hate to travel all that way for another doctor to tell me there's nothing they can do for him.
Answer
August 18 2006 at 9:50 AM (15 minutes and 28 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
While there are some medical causes of constipation, such as Hirschsprung's disease, cystic fibrosis and hypothyroidism, most children who are constipated are normal. Warning signs that may indicate a more serious condition causing your child to be constipated include vomiting, weight loss, poor weight gain, fever, abdominal distention or having a poor appetite. I feel this is unlikely in the case of your son.

Keep up with incresing his fiber and fluids. Try the suppositories for lubrication and see how things go over the next month.

Please let me know if you have questions


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