Patient's question:
My baby used to have a bowel movement every day, but so far today, she hasn't had a bowel movement for three days. The child isn't crying or fussing, and when I touched her stomach, it was soft. I'm not sure if this is due to constipation or stool retention. So, I'd like to ask what the difference is between constipation and stool retention in babies?Doctor's answer:
If the child has normal mental and body temperature and can expel gas normally, it is more likely that constipation has recurred. Common causes may include dry air, improper diet, or the child being relatively young and their digestive system not yet fully developed. If the child has been taking a lot of calcium supplements or cod liver oil during this time, in addition to potential side effects from the medication, it is recommended to temporarily stop taking them. It is important to drink more water, eat more fruits and high-fiber vegetables, which can help with bowel movement. When necessary, use laxative medications and probiotics to regulate the digestive system.