Should I Consult A Doctor About Constipation, Hard Stool And Painful Bowl Movement In An Infant?

Posted on Wed, 17 Feb 2021

Question: Hi, my daughter of 10 months is having a little bit problem in passing stool. Stool was a little bit harder than normal from last two days. Today, it was a little more harder and she was forcing too hard to pass it. She even cried for some time. Should I consult any doctor or wait more? Is there any suggestion which I can check or follow meanwhile? Thanks..

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can give lactulose syrup

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for asking on this platform

I have gone through the query and do understand your concern.
Hard stool is common in this age and I won't get overly worried if it is not mixed with blood or too hard(like pellets).You can wait for one or two days.
Adding sugar in the feed helps in making stool softer. If still you are feeling that the problem is significant, you may give lactulose syrup which is a laxative after consulting your pediatrician.
Most of the time there is no significant side effect of lactulose. Sometimes loose stool may occur.
Give more amount of fluids.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana