Constipation?

Question

My 14 month old daughter has been severely constipated for almost a week now. She has been to the Dr. I have given her one suppository prescribed by her Dr. but she only has had about 1 bowel movement a day. She did have 3 after the suppository. Tonight her stomach was 3 times the size again. I have been feeding her pureed veggies in chicken broth, whole wheat toast, pears, beans pureed with chicken broth, peas, broccoli, what ever she will eat that is nonconstipating. I guess I am worried. I feel like she should be having more bowel movements. I am calling the Dr again tomorrow. Is there anything anyone can tell me to reassure, or any advice or anything more I should know. Thank you.

Answer 1

mineral oil. that is what we always took.

Answer 2

There are many different things that can cause constipation 2 major culprits in small children is too much iron and/or an intolarance to dairy. Unfortunately only your doctor can tell you for sure if it is one of these.

In teh mean time try giving her prune juice it is quite sweet and most kids really like it (if not try apple prune juice) it is a great natural laxative. and maybe make some bran muffins at snack time.

I wouldnt recommend using the suppositoires too often unless nothing else works as she may become dependant on them for a bowel movement

Answer 3

Can constipation be serious?
Sometimes constipation can lead to complications. These complications include hemorrhoids, caused by straining to have a bowel movement, or anal fissures (tears in the skin around the anus) caused when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle. As a result, rectal bleeding may occur, appearing as bright red streaks on the surface of the stool. Treatment for hemorrhoids may include warm tub baths, ice packs, and application of a special cream to the affected area. Treatment for anal fissures may include stretching the sphincter muscle or surgically removing the tissue or skin in the affected area.

Sometimes straining causes a small amount of intestinal lining to push out from the anal opening. This condition, known as rectal prolapse, may lead to secretion of mucus from the anus. Usually eliminating the cause of the prolapse, such as straining or coughing, is the only treatment necessary. Severe or chronic prolapse requires surgery to strengthen and tighten the anal sphincter muscle or to repair the prolapsed lining.

Constipation may also cause hard stool to pack the intestine and rectum so tightly that the normal pushing action of the colon is not enough to expel the stool. This condition, called fecal impaction, occurs most often in children and older adults. An impaction can be softened with mineral oil taken by mouth and by an enema. After softening the impaction, the doctor may break up and remove part of the hardened stool by inserting one or two fingers into the anus.

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Hope Through Research
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition supports basic and clinical research into gastrointestinal conditions, including constipation. Researchers are studying the anatomical and physiological characteristics of rectoanal motility and the use of new medications and behavioral techniques, such as biofeedback, to treat constipation.

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Points to Remember
Constipation affects almost everyone at one time or another.


Many people think they are constipated when, in fact, their bowel movements are regular.


The most common causes of constipation are poor diet and lack of exercise.


Other causes of constipation include medications, irritable bowel syndrome, abuse of laxatives, and specific diseases.


A medical history and physical exam may be the only diagnostic tests needed before the doctor suggests treatment.


In most cases, following these simple tips will help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence of constipation:


Eat a well-balanced, high-fiber diet that includes beans, bran, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Drink plenty of liquids.
Exercise regularly.
Set aside time after breakfast or dinner for undisturbed visits to the toilet.
Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
Understand that normal bowel habits vary.
Whenever a significant or prolonged change in bowel habits occurs, check with a doctor.


Most people with mild constipation do not need laxatives. However, a doctor may recommend laxatives for a limited time for people with chronic constipation.

Answer 4

DO NOT GIVE MINERAL OIL! When my 18 month old gets constipated I give him apple prune juice (Gerber), slices of apples, tender green beans, broccoli and plenty of water. It works for him. Avoid bananas, cheese, and rice. If you notice that this continues you should see the doctor again or get a second opinion from another pediatrician ASAP.

Answer 5

My son had these problems, too. We tried him on mineral oil. Just give her a teaspoon of mineral oil twice a day. If that doesn't work, give her a suppository. You don't have to get them prescribed. They sell them over the counter. The good brand to use is Fleet. She probably just doesn't like to go, and so she holds it. That's what my son did. Try to give her more fruit and give her apple.prune juice to drink. Milk of Magnesia helps, too.

Answer 6

Well, if the suppositories are working, keep using them. You have to use them everytime she is constipated. I think she has almost no chance of being dependent on them because it's not actually a drug.
Her stomach expanding might be gas as well.
And don't worry, it should be completely normal.

Answer 7

at 14 mths her bowl movements should be regular as far as maybe once a day..You could give her 1tsp of DARK karo syrup that way she doesn't get dependent on suppositories.

Answer 8

Try 8 ounces of apple cider. A quart or more works very well on adults!

Answer 9

Big ma ma uses prune juice

Answer 10

She is not drinking enough water. Try putting some Karo syrup in her water. And then try to give her some vegetables.

Answer 11

You could call a pharmacist and she if she is old enough for an enema.