Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: My daughter suddenly hasn't had a bowel movement for three consecutive days. I am very anxious and would like to consult on how to handle this. Is it necessary to go to the hospital for examination? My husband has also given my daughter abdominal massage, but it hasn't been effective. What should I do? I am very urgent and hope for a reply. Thank you!!!!!Duration and continuity of the current illness: Three consecutive days
Current general condition: Breastfeeding, mental state, and basically the same as before.
Medical history: None
Previous diagnoses, treatment history, and outcomes: None
Doctor's answer:
Hello: The child's condition is likely to be constipation! Children who drink milk often suffer from constipation, experiencing great pain during bowel movements, and some even tear their anuses. The child may cry and refuse to defecate, causing the parents great distress. How can this be avoided? You can try the following methods:(1) Add sugar to the milk appropriately, such as 10 grams of white sugar in 100 milliliters of milk.
(2) Give the child some honey water.
(3) Pay attention to feeding the child high-vitamin supplementary foods such as fresh fruit juice, vegetable water, and apple puree.
If the child struggles very hard to defecate and finds it difficult to pass stool, you can cut a bar of soap or use a glycerin suppository to insert into the anus. If it still doesn’t work, use infant glycerin suppositories or seek medical attention at the hospital. Never give the child laxatives randomly.
Children who suffer from frequent constipation should, in addition to dietary adjustments, also persist in doing exercises to strengthen their abdominal muscles, which is beneficial for defecation.