Suggest Treatment For Constipation And Frequent Urination
Miralax is not recommended to treat constipation in children with Down's
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HCM.
I appreciate your concern for your son's problems.
In children with Down syndrome, constipation is due to low muscle tone and decreased motor activity. Both of these make the colon more likely to retain stool for longer periods, leading to loss of water from the stool.
Because of the safety concerns in children, the Food and Drug Administration approved Miralax for use only by adults, and for only seven days at a time.
The usual treatment of constipation is dietary:
*Increasing fiber, fruits and vegetables. corn syrup, malt barley extract *Lactulose can also be used.
*Increasing the amount of fluids the child drinks is helpful; and in older children, decreasing the amount of constipating foods (milk products, bananas, white rice) may also help.
If the constipation does not improve then other causes of constipation like Hirschsprung disease and hypothyroidism should be ruled out and if found should be treated accordingly.
Children with Down's do have an increased risk of having Hirschsprung disease
(condition in which a segment of colon directly above the rectum is formed without nerve endings).
Because the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can be well hidden in children with Down's syndrome, a regular thyroid function tests are recommended every one to two years, even if the child is growing well.
Regarding frequent urination, he may be given alternate drugs like Imipramine or Tolterodine.
Hope the suggestions given above could be beneficial in getting the treatment of constipation and frequent urination.
Best regards/.