|
|
Contact us if you have any ideas or comments. |
| Call us at (877) POTTYMD or email us at info@pottymd.com |
|
|
Constipation: Frequently Asked Questions
I have tried everything for my child's constipation problem—please help!
Constipation is a very frustrating problem for children and
their parents. Physicians approach constipation differently. Some simply
try diet with increased fiber and fluids. Others use laxatives to get the
child going. Most doctors and parents are happy if they can get the bowels
to be soft. The most common problem with treating constipation is the lack
of education about why children become constipated and how to avoid the
problem in the future. Constipation that is difficult to treat is usually
not addressed from all the "angles" that are needed to really correct the
problem long-term. Parents need to understand that constipated children
will usually resist having a bowel movement now and in the future. Long-term
treatment may be needed. Diet modifications are needed to avoid future problems,
but initially a laxative is usually needed. In fact, laxative use may be
needed long-term. Laxatives, if used carefully, are not usually harmful
even if used for several months. Your child's doctor can provide good advice
on which laxatives to use (usually it does not matter), what dose is desired,
and how long your child should take a laxative. Potty habits need to be
addressed! The good news is that with well-educated parents and a treatment
plan that addresses all of the issues, even the most frustrating constipation
problem can be overcome. Our constipation handbook provides all of the information
that you will need to start to correct your child's problem. We are not
aware of any other book that has been written (for parents) about childhood
constipation. Counseling is available for the more difficult situations
and those who desire a personal approach.
My child's stools appear to be soft, but he acts like it hurts to poop. What can be wrong?
Your child still may be constipated. Just because you see
soft poops does not mean the stool upstream is not hard. You can only see
what is coming out, not what is upstream. Also, your child may be straining
to poop because he did not relax previously to allow the stool to move into
the rectum. Simply said, some kids are confused about how to go. They will
hold urine and stool throughout the day in order to avoid using the restroom.
When they do go, they are unable to adequately relax when they need to.
Children who strain just to urinate may be confused about how to relax.
If your child is not constipated by your assessment, yet he hurts or acts
like it is hard to poop, you should consider he is constipated. You should
treat him as such and if your problem continues then consultation with your
child's doctor should be obtained. Maybe an x-ray will determine if significant
stool is present upstream in the colon. Most likely, if you work on your
child's potty habits and treat for presumed constipation your child will
improve.
|
Child Constipation
Products & Solutions |
|
|
