My son is constipated. Will massaging his stomach help ?

Question

He's 6 years old.Constipated - hasn't had a bowel movement for 4 days.

His stomach hurts & is bloated. I've been giving him loads of water & juice to drink.

When her tries to do a poo - he cries as it really hurts him.

So will massaging his stomach help - to loosen things up ?

Answer 1

No, and it could create a bowl obstruction. A little oil in his food, or if absolutely necessary an enema

Answer 2

Massage probably will not do anything.

Try this: run him a warm bath with 2 ounces of baking soda in the tub. Let him hang out in the tub for up to 30 mins. If he's holding it because he's afraid it'll hurt, as some kids do - this will help him relax and go. Don't freak if he goes in the tub - that's why there's bleach! =) Otherwise, try glycerine suppositores - it'll stimulate him to go and smooth the way a little.

Dietary - increase the amount of fiber he eats - more fruit and veggies (except bananas, applesauce, and cooked carrots) and more whole grain stuff. Decrease the amount of cheese, milk, and other dairy stuff. As for juice - skip the citrus like orange and grapefruit - it doesn't help. Try some apple juice or white grape juice - just don't overload him, or you'll have the opposite problem!

Answer 3

Poor baby! I definitely agree with the posters here that it's time for him to see your family physician, especially if this issue is one that has repeated itself before. He may have a very sensitive digestive system, i.e. certain foods may constipate him moreso than others, or if he's taking any sort of medication, even over-the counter, it could be constipating him. In any event, get him in to see your doctor ASAP.

In the interim, you can try mixing about 1 tablespoon of Mineral Oil into his juice or something that will mask the taste a little. I wouldn't use Castor Oil; it's nasty stuff. Mineral Oil is natural and safe and will not hurt him, even if it doesn't do the trick. We have been using it off and on since my daughter was two to help her with constipation issues, and it was recommended to us by our then-doctor. Also, as has been suggested, you can try giving him a suppository. "Fleet" makes glycerin child suppositories; for his age you can insert a whole (1) suppository. Both of these items can be found at your local drugstore or Wal-Mart in the digestive/stomach remedies area. Even if they work, you might still consider taking him in to see the doctor as preventative medicine. Good luck and hope he feels better soon!

Answer 4

If he has not had a bowl movement in four days he really needs to see a doctor. Rubbing helps when the constipation is minor but this sounds pretty serious. You will likely need some meds or natural remedies to help the initial constipation then they will suggest a change of diet.

Answer 5

Im not sure if massaging his stomach will help. When my daughter gets backed up I give her a children's laxative. The one I use is the "little tummy's laxative drops". I think its "little tummy's". Its made by the company that makes all those other ones that start with "little" (i.e. little noses, little ears.......). I get it from Walmart. And it works pretty well on her.
I would however suggest calling his doctor because there may be an underlying problem. My daughter gets constipated because I am trying to potty train her and she doesn't want to use the toilet so she just holds it.

Answer 6

I went through this with my son from the time I brought him home from the hospital. When he got a littler older he used to hold it in because he was afraid it would hurt and wouldnt go for days. I used enemas if it got really bad. What really worked for me was senacot (natural laxitive) and I would put it into prune juice. It works great try it. Holding it is also a control thing with some kids so try not to make a huge deal out of it.

Answer 7

I suggest you take him to a docter, constipation in young children is serious. And you give water and juice to a baby during times of Diareha (i think is spelled it wrong), because it causes dehydration. No bowel movement for 4 days is a serious problem. I have a brother, the same happened to hime. I suggest you take him to a doctor as soon as possible.

Answer 8

if he hasn't had a bowel movement in 4 days i would strongly reccomend calling a dr. Massiging his stomach MIGHT ease the pain but it won't do much else. Try going to your local pharmacist and purchasing some castor oil Wal mart sells fleet enemas for children that age that i would HIGHLY reccomend depending on what the dr. tells you.

Answer 9

I dont know that massaging his stomach will help,but if its been 4 days, I would take him to the dr. I would think that juice wouldve made something come by now. Good Luck...I know how worrisome that can be.

Answer 10

My son is only 2 months but he was having a few issues about a month ago. We tried massaging his tummy, and lifting his legs when he tries to go and letting him push off our hands. I called the doc and they said to try suppositories, which you can get over the counter anywhere. I know it sounds horrible but it really does help. Good luck and if all else fails call his doc.

Answer 11

The best thing to do is give him a small glass of warm prune juice, granted it doesnt taste great but it works. Im a CNA and we use that instead of giving the people more medicine. Try that and if that doesnt work you might want to contact your Dr.