Constipation
What is constipation?
When your child is constipated, your child may:
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Have a hard time having a bowel movement (BM).
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Have a painful BM.
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Go 3 or more days without a BM.
This could happen because your child:
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Does not eat enough fiber.
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Drinks or eats too many milk products.
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Remembers painful BMs. That can make some children hold back.
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How can I take care of my child?
For babies less that 1 year old.
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If your baby is over 2 months old, give fruit juices (such as apple or pear juice) twice a day.
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If your baby is over 4 months old, you can add strained, high-fiber foods twice a day. Cerals, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, beans, or peas are good fiber foods.
For children over 1 year old.
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Feed your child fruits or vegetables at least three time a day.
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Give more foods rich in bran and fiber. Try bran flakes, bran muffins, shredded wheat, graham crackers, oatmeal, brown rice, or whole wheat bread.
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Do not feed your child excessive milk products, like milk, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt.
For children who are toilet trained.
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Have your child sit on the toilet for 10 minutes after meals. This will help your child have a BM every day.
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Call your child's doctor right away if:
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Your child starts to have very bad rectal or stomach pain.
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Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
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Your child has not had a BM after you have fed your child fiber foods and reduced milk product for 3 days.
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You are using suppositories or enemas for you child.
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You have other concerns or questions.
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Published by McKesson Clinical Reference Systems
Copyright © 1986-2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC.
All rights reserved.
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