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Suggest Treatment For Constipation In A 13 Month-old Infant
Question: I am the grandmother that has a 13 month w severe constipation. I went to pay for service via paypal, paid and now I don't know where to go to get the doctor who was going to help me
Brief Answer:
Supportive care
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Constipation in babies is mostly benign and more common in lactose intolerant babies and due to some diet adjustments, weaning from breast or formula milk to more solid foods, especially foods which are low in fiber like rice.
Also, dehydration is a possible cause for babies to get constipation at this age. It is very rare that constipation is due to some organic disease which will need work up and examination to rule out but that is decided later if the constipation is prevalent despite supportive remedies.
* If the baby is drinking formula milk, try switching it to another one.
* Add dark corn syrup to it, quarter of a spoon in 3 to 4 ounces of milk.
* Gently massage your baby's belly. Encourage the baby to crawl and walk.
* Move his limbs while lying down as if he is riding a bicycle.
* Cut down on constipating foods like rice, banana, cooked carrots etc.
* Few tablespoons of pureed prunes, apricots or pears can be added to the baby's diet to help with the bowel movements loosening.
*If the baby stools are very hard and have blood in it, you may consider occasional use of suppositories and laxatives but don't use it frequently.
* Apply topical aloe vera lotions on the the anus site to prevent any fissure or injury due to hard stools.
* Consult a pediatrician for further management.
I hope this helps. Take good care of yourself and the baby.
Regards,
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan
General & Family Physician
Supportive care
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Constipation in babies is mostly benign and more common in lactose intolerant babies and due to some diet adjustments, weaning from breast or formula milk to more solid foods, especially foods which are low in fiber like rice.
Also, dehydration is a possible cause for babies to get constipation at this age. It is very rare that constipation is due to some organic disease which will need work up and examination to rule out but that is decided later if the constipation is prevalent despite supportive remedies.
* If the baby is drinking formula milk, try switching it to another one.
* Add dark corn syrup to it, quarter of a spoon in 3 to 4 ounces of milk.
* Gently massage your baby's belly. Encourage the baby to crawl and walk.
* Move his limbs while lying down as if he is riding a bicycle.
* Cut down on constipating foods like rice, banana, cooked carrots etc.
* Few tablespoons of pureed prunes, apricots or pears can be added to the baby's diet to help with the bowel movements loosening.
*If the baby stools are very hard and have blood in it, you may consider occasional use of suppositories and laxatives but don't use it frequently.
* Apply topical aloe vera lotions on the the anus site to prevent any fissure or injury due to hard stools.
* Consult a pediatrician for further management.
I hope this helps. Take good care of yourself and the baby.
Regards,
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan
General & Family Physician
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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