Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Severe Constipation Problems In Child?

My three year old daughter has had severe constipation problems almost since birth to the point of popping a blood vessel in her eye at 6 months old. Her pediatrician had me put her on miralax for almost 2 years now and it seems ineffective at this point. Any suggestions? Anything I should be having her tested for at this point? The pediatrician tells me this is normal for children but I feel the process of going to the bathroom daily should not be so difficult for her.
Fri, 30 Jan 2015
Report Abuse
Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist,  's  Response
Hi there,
Thanks for using HCM.
The most common cause of constipation in a kid is functional constipation.
It is usually due to poor toilet training.
But since your daughter is having constipation since birth, organic causes should be ruled out.
The two causes that are to be looked in to are Hirschsprung disease and hypothyroidism.
In Hirschsprung disease the nerve development of the bowel is affected causing constipation. Barium xrays and anorectal manometry may be done to confirm it.
In hypothyrodism, the blood levels of the thyroid hormone required for good bowel movements is low causing constipation. Blood test to check thyroid hormone levels may be done.

Is this answer helpful?
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Severe Constipation Problems In Child?

Hi there, Thanks for using HCM. The most common cause of constipation in a kid is functional constipation. It is usually due to poor toilet training. But since your daughter is having constipation since birth, organic causes should be ruled out. The two causes that are to be looked in to are Hirschsprung disease and hypothyroidism. In Hirschsprung disease the nerve development of the bowel is affected causing constipation. Barium xrays and anorectal manometry may be done to confirm it. In hypothyrodism, the blood levels of the thyroid hormone required for good bowel movements is low causing constipation. Blood test to check thyroid hormone levels may be done. Is this answer helpful?