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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Brown Dry Stools With Constipation In Children?

My four year old daughter has been having dark brown stool that is dry, somewhat sticky and flaky. The consistency is a lot like dry mud. It sticks to her bottom, so I have to wipe her and as I do, it falls off in dry flakes. She has been also dealing with constipation since about October of 2013. I ve visited doctors multiple times, they gave her an enema (which did nothing at all), and about four x-rays-- but I have yet to receive any answers. I ve given her MiraLax and cut constipating food out of her diet, I ve also increased her water intake. I just don t know what it could be. I am desperate for answers. Thanks!
Mon, 12 Sep 2016
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history about your 4 year old daughter having dark brown stool, dry sticky and flaky; sticks to the buttocks, constipation since Oct 2013, enema did not help, 4 X-rays done - gave miralax and cut constipating foods, increased water intake.
It is noted that the children up to the 4 years can have intestinal problems as there is still adjustment going on with the intestinal bacterial flora.
Since the stools have changes color and has mucus in it I would advise you the following:
Take her to the Gastroenterologist.
Get the stool tests done and since it is stick it is possible that there is some sort of infection in the colon.
Get a course of an antibiotic, metronidazole, anti-worm treatment and see that the problem may be solved
Continue Miralax only if there is hard stool.
Add a probiotic and as you have been doing trying to find the foods that cause normal bowel movements - needs to be continues.
Make another list of foods and beverages that cause constipation and stop these strictly.
No junk foods and the outside preserved food and beverages.
If the medical management fails, she may need a pediatric colonoscopy for better diagnosis and treatment accordingly.
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What Causes Brown Dry Stools With Constipation In Children?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history about your 4 year old daughter having dark brown stool, dry sticky and flaky; sticks to the buttocks, constipation since Oct 2013, enema did not help, 4 X-rays done - gave miralax and cut constipating foods, increased water intake. It is noted that the children up to the 4 years can have intestinal problems as there is still adjustment going on with the intestinal bacterial flora. Since the stools have changes color and has mucus in it I would advise you the following: Take her to the Gastroenterologist. Get the stool tests done and since it is stick it is possible that there is some sort of infection in the colon. Get a course of an antibiotic, metronidazole, anti-worm treatment and see that the problem may be solved Continue Miralax only if there is hard stool. Add a probiotic and as you have been doing trying to find the foods that cause normal bowel movements - needs to be continues. Make another list of foods and beverages that cause constipation and stop these strictly. No junk foods and the outside preserved food and beverages. If the medical management fails, she may need a pediatric colonoscopy for better diagnosis and treatment accordingly.