Suggest Treatment For Constipation

Posted on Thu, 16 Apr 2015

Question: Question for a paediatrician - My daughter, 22 months old, is facing constipation for last 7-10 days and cries a lot while passing stools. I have tried changing her diet a lot but what worked well previously doesn't seem to work now. Please advise on medication. Secondly please advise what should be the minimum amount of water intake for a child of her age. She takes rice, dal, veggies, fruits, roti and milk in her daily diet.

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
try lactulose

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
Constipation at this age is mainly due to less water and fruits and vegetables in diet.
At this age your child should be able to drink atleast 3 to 4 cups of water 600 to 800 ml per day.
Let thirst be a guiding factor to give water in sips frequently throughout the day.
Avoid juices as they tend to give more sugar with less fibre.
Restrict milk only to breakfast and dinner.
I prescribe lactulose syrup 3 ml thrice daily for 3 days to help temporarily releive constipation.
But permanent solution is by increasing fruits and vegetables.
Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

She does take a combination of chikoo, papaya, banana, cucumber etc almost daily. She takes milk only twice - morning and evening, about 200 ml each time. Water too we try to give atleast 600-700 ml a day. We also give her barley for dinner sometimes as it is high fibre and earlier proved effective in solving this problem within a day. But this time nothing seems to be working. So I guess will have to take the syrup.

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
Yes she will need medicine this time.
Continue fiber and water intake in plenty.
Regards

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