Patient's question:
Baby's stubborn constipation, I have been giving him Mamiaoyi for a month, and constipation occurs when the medication is stopped. Is long-term use of probiotics dependent and has side effects?Doctor's answer:
Hello, it is recommended not to take antibiotics for a long time. You should understand the causes of constipation in children and take measures based on the causes. There are many reasons that can cause constipation in children, mainly including the following points:① Insufficient diet: When children eat too little, there is less residue in the intestines after digestion, leading to fewer bowel movements. Insufficient sugar in milk makes the stool dry. Prolonged dietary deficiency can lead to malnutrition, making the abdominal and intestinal muscles weak, with insufficient tension and weak peristalsis, resulting in stubborn constipation.
② Unsuitable food components: Constipation is closely related to the composition of food. If the diet is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, the relative reduction of fermenting bacteria in the intestines affects fermentation, making the stool alkaline, dry, and causing constipation. For example, if the food contains a large amount of casein, the feces contain a large amount of insoluble calcium soaps, leading to increased fecal volume and easier constipation. Additionally, refined rice flour and refined wheat flour contain less residue than whole grains, making them more prone to constipation.
③ Abnormal intestinal function: Due to irregular living and defecation habits, the defecation reflex may weaken or fail to form, leading to intestinal muscle relaxation and constipation. Certain drugs or diseases that weaken the intestinal wall muscle and disrupt its function, as well as abnormal sympathetic nerve function, can all cause constipation.
④ Genetic and physiological defects: Some children suffer from constipation even after birth. Family history may be related to genetics. Certain physiological defect diseases, such as anal fissure, anal stenosis, and congenital megacolon, can also cause constipation.
⑤ Psychological factors: Sudden psychological stress or changes in living environment can lead to temporary constipation.
Prevention and treatment measures for children's constipation are as follows:
① Change the diet: Breastfeeding infants should primarily rely on human milk and be breastfed as much as possible. If breastfed infants develop constipation, appropriate laxative foods can be added, such as foods containing sugar.