Patient's question:
My son hasn't had a bowel movement for 5 days, but he doesn't seem any different from usual—he's still eating and sleeping as normal. The only thing is that he's been talking nonsense, but it's not too smelly. What should I do? He had constipation twice before. Once, after eating two spoonfuls of, he didn't have a bowel movement for three days, and the other time it took four days. This time, he's also eaten, and it's been five days already. It's really making me anxious.Doctor's answer:
Some babies may experience a situation where they only have a bowel movement every three to five days, which is also known as "accumulated stool." As long as the baby does not show any abnormal symptoms such as fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, or poor feeding, it is generally not a concern.If the baby exhibits other abnormal symptoms, it is advisable to visit the hospital to check for any contagious diseases. A detailed examination of the digestive tract using a color Doppler ultrasound can help identify any potential issues. It is important to avoid contact with individuals suffering from colds and to prevent the baby from catching a cold. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid consuming greasy, spicy, or irritating foods.
If the baby seems to have a bowel movement but cannot be stimulated to pass it, using a glycerin suppository can help. If the problem persists, a thorough examination of the digestive tract with a color Doppler ultrasound is recommended to check for any other underlying issues.