what is a mineral oil?pls give me examples.is it reall good for preventing constipation in my 2 year old son?

Question

my son is suffering from constipation since 2 months.nowadays,he shows bowel movement only when micro enemas are applied.every 3 days i keep the enema for him.what is a mineral oil?will it really help him? should i continue it for many days?i'm really tensed....

Answer 1

Mineral oil and white petrolatum (like Vaseline) are produced in large quantities during the distillation of oil to make gasoline. Mineral oil is not absorbed in significant quantities when ingested. It's principle use when taken internally is to soften the feces. It is not a laxative in the true sense of the word. It is useful in children when they have hard stools from the low fiber diet that so many toddlers have. Two major precautions: 1) if aspirated into the windpipe and lungs it can cause a pneumonia, and 2) long term use may interfere with absorption of fat soluble vitamins like A and D.

There are newer and better options for the child with chronic constipation. It's best these be recommended by the personal physician, not someone on the internet.

Has your child's doctor ruled out other conditions like Hirschspurng's disease? While rare, it won't go away with dietary changes and can cause serious problems.

Answer 2

Mineral oil is to be uses only short term, it destroys normal intestinal flora. Try 1 teaspoon dark Karo syrup in his bottle at bedtime so he"ll go 1st thing in the morning. If that doesn"t work start giving in the morning to if needed give 3 times a day.
Good luck to the poor little fella!
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Answer 3

Mineral oil is a petroleum distillate, it should not be taken internally. Are you thinking of castor oil? Try keeping him very hydrated, lots of water, juice, soda if you must, and occasional gatorade or other sports drinks. Cheerios and caffeine usually do the trick. However do not give the kid a bunch of caffeine or caffeinated soda as caffeine is a diuretic and will dehydrate him. Load him up with water, then just a sip or two of sweet coffee and some cheerios. Or just take him to the doctor if you can afford it.