Hi,
I am sorry for the situation your son is going through.
Severe
constipation he is having due to taking
pepto bismol for his
acid reflux. Actually, that is not a good solution for acid reflux. Instead, I'd advise to:
- avoid foods that would aggravate acidity of the stomach (chilly/spicy/fried, etc.)
- avoid any alcoholic drinks
- encourage to have light meals (yogurt, soups, etc.)
- consume more foods high in fiber content
- laxatives like senna can help him passing bowel movements
- continue giving stool softeners, their effect will take a few days to appear
- give him plenty of water
- eat often and small portions
- do not lay down immediately after eating
- take probiotics
- take antacids to normalize stomach pH and start taking PPIs like
omeprazole (can find OTC)
Please consider to schedule an
upper endoscopy to evaluate the changes in his upper GI tract and confirm GERD.
Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana