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Suggest Treatment For Lower Abdominal Pain That Gets Relieved After Defecation
Question: My son age 10, has had constipation issues in the past. We have had him to the ER twice. They do X-rays and just say he has old poop backed up. The doctor says to give him Miralax, which helps. Lately he complains his lower abdomen hurts. No nausea or vomiting. He says if he poops, it feels better. Today he has had 2 solid stools and several runny stools. Not sure what to do.
Brief Answer:
Fiber intake needs to be increased
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The abdominal pain could be due to improper bowel movements as caused by constipation. As the bowel muscles contract as they (ineffectively) try to propel the fecal matters. Furthermore, constipation may alternate with diarrhea. Unless the fiber intake in increased, the issue will not resolve. Incidentally, constipation in children has become a very frequently encountered problem these days. The primary reason for the same is lack of adequate play and/or the lack of adequate amounts of fiber containing foods in diet.
You need to give a fibre rich diet. Wheat, corn, and rice bran are high in insoluble fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Bran can be sprinkled into his favorite foods, from hot cereal and pancakes to muffins and cookies. Many popular high-fiber cereals and bars are also packed with bran. Beans really are the magical fruit. Isabgol (psyllium husk) or senna can also be given as fiber supplements.
Fiber rich food items include:
* Apples, pears, parsnip, berries, raspberries, kumquats, guavas, squash, oranges, passion fuit, avocado, blackberries, pomogranate, currants, persimmons, kiwi fruits, figs, bananas, blueberries, cherries, apricots, strawberries, tangerines, papaya, mangoes, pineapple, plums, litchi, grapes, watermelon
* Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, brussels sprout, carrots, leafy vegetables and spinach, amaranth, artichokes, green peas, collard greens, kale, sweet potato, okra, fennel, eggplant/brinjal, sweetcorn, beets, turnip, asparagus, onions
* Legumes, beans, lentils, chickpeas, celery, soybean, navy beans, cranberry beans, french beans
* Whole grains, quinoa, brown rice, millets and oats, squash and pumpkin seeds, seasame seeds, dried coconut, almonds,
* Mushrooms
* Flax seeds, chia seeds, corn bran
Make sure that he drinks plenty of water. But you also need to ensure that he goes to pass stool at a regular time every day (irrespective of whether he feels an urge to pass). This will demote stool holding habits and would promote regular bowel habits.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Fiber intake needs to be increased
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The abdominal pain could be due to improper bowel movements as caused by constipation. As the bowel muscles contract as they (ineffectively) try to propel the fecal matters. Furthermore, constipation may alternate with diarrhea. Unless the fiber intake in increased, the issue will not resolve. Incidentally, constipation in children has become a very frequently encountered problem these days. The primary reason for the same is lack of adequate play and/or the lack of adequate amounts of fiber containing foods in diet.
You need to give a fibre rich diet. Wheat, corn, and rice bran are high in insoluble fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Bran can be sprinkled into his favorite foods, from hot cereal and pancakes to muffins and cookies. Many popular high-fiber cereals and bars are also packed with bran. Beans really are the magical fruit. Isabgol (psyllium husk) or senna can also be given as fiber supplements.
Fiber rich food items include:
* Apples, pears, parsnip, berries, raspberries, kumquats, guavas, squash, oranges, passion fuit, avocado, blackberries, pomogranate, currants, persimmons, kiwi fruits, figs, bananas, blueberries, cherries, apricots, strawberries, tangerines, papaya, mangoes, pineapple, plums, litchi, grapes, watermelon
* Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, brussels sprout, carrots, leafy vegetables and spinach, amaranth, artichokes, green peas, collard greens, kale, sweet potato, okra, fennel, eggplant/brinjal, sweetcorn, beets, turnip, asparagus, onions
* Legumes, beans, lentils, chickpeas, celery, soybean, navy beans, cranberry beans, french beans
* Whole grains, quinoa, brown rice, millets and oats, squash and pumpkin seeds, seasame seeds, dried coconut, almonds,
* Mushrooms
* Flax seeds, chia seeds, corn bran
Make sure that he drinks plenty of water. But you also need to ensure that he goes to pass stool at a regular time every day (irrespective of whether he feels an urge to pass). This will demote stool holding habits and would promote regular bowel habits.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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