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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Constipation In An Infant Be Treated?

My daughter is 21 months old and has to take medicine every day to make a bow movement if she doesn t take it she is stopped up and can not use the bathroom at all. What is wrong with her intestines????WAs there something that could be done it touch my soul when I have to open up her bottom to help her booboo....
Fri, 20 Oct 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello. Infant constipation often begins when a baby starts eating solid foods. If your baby seems constipated, consider simple dietary changes:

Water or fruit juice. Offer your baby a small amount of water or a daily serving of 100 percent apple, prune or pear juice in addition to usual feedings. These juices contain sorbitol, a sweetener that acts like a laxative. Start with 2 to 4 ounces (about 60 to 120 milliliters), and experiment to determine whether your baby needs more or less

Baby food. If your baby is eating solid foods, try pureed peas or prunes, which contain more fiber than other fruits and vegetables. Offer whole wheat, barley or multigrain cereals, which contain more fiber than rice cereal.

If your baby is struggling, it's been a few days since his or her last bowel movement, and dietary changes haven't been effective, it might help to place an infant glycerin suppository into your baby's anus. However, glycerin suppositories are only meant for occasional use. Don't use mineral oil, stimulant laxatives or enemas to treat infant constipation.

Rarely, infant constipation is caused by an underlying condition, such as Hirschsprung's disease, hypothyroidism or cystic fibrosis. If infant constipation persists despite dietary changes or is accompanied by other signs or symptoms — such as vomiting or weakness — contact your baby's doctor.

with regards- Dr Sanjay Kini
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How Can Constipation In An Infant Be Treated?

Hello. Infant constipation often begins when a baby starts eating solid foods. If your baby seems constipated, consider simple dietary changes: Water or fruit juice. Offer your baby a small amount of water or a daily serving of 100 percent apple, prune or pear juice in addition to usual feedings. These juices contain sorbitol, a sweetener that acts like a laxative. Start with 2 to 4 ounces (about 60 to 120 milliliters), and experiment to determine whether your baby needs more or less Baby food. If your baby is eating solid foods, try pureed peas or prunes, which contain more fiber than other fruits and vegetables. Offer whole wheat, barley or multigrain cereals, which contain more fiber than rice cereal. If your baby is struggling, it s been a few days since his or her last bowel movement, and dietary changes haven t been effective, it might help to place an infant glycerin suppository into your baby s anus. However, glycerin suppositories are only meant for occasional use. Don t use mineral oil, stimulant laxatives or enemas to treat infant constipation. Rarely, infant constipation is caused by an underlying condition, such as Hirschsprung s disease, hypothyroidism or cystic fibrosis. If infant constipation persists despite dietary changes or is accompanied by other signs or symptoms — such as vomiting or weakness — contact your baby s doctor. with regards- Dr Sanjay Kini