Let your child's doctor know what steps you've taken to try to treat your child's constipation. Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that your child is taking.Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.Include notes about stool frequency and appearance, and any changes you've noticed in stool patterns (frequency, volume and content), as well as what and how much your child eats and drinks. Record the date your child's constipation started and any other coinciding events. It's also a good idea to write down your child's signs and symptoms. Write down any symptoms your child is experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.At the time you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your child's diet. Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions.Sometimes a child may be so severely constipated that he or she needs to be hospitalized for a short time to be given a stronger enema that will clear the bowel (disimpaction). Never give your child a laxative or enema without the doctor's OK and instructions on the proper dose. Examples include polyethylene glycol (GlycoLax, MiraLax, others) and mineral oil. If an accumulation of fecal material creates a blockage, your child's doctor may suggest a laxative or enema to help remove the blockage. Talk with your child's doctor about the right way to use these products.Ī laxative or enema. Glycerin suppositories can be used to soften the stool in children who can't swallow pills.
Check with your child's doctor to find out the right dose for your child's age and weight. However, your child needs to drink at least 32 ounces (about 1 liter) of water daily for these products to work well. If your child doesn't get a lot of fiber in his or her diet, adding an over-the-counter fiber supplement, such as Metamucil or Citrucel, might help.
Over-the-counter fiber supplements or stool softeners. Occasionally, blood tests are performed, such as a thyroid panel.ĭepending on the circumstances, your child's doctor may recommend: Your child's doctor will analyze the way the markers move through your child's digestive tract. In this test, your child will swallow a capsule containing markers that show up on X-rays taken over several days. In this test, a small sample of tissue is taken from the lining of the rectum to see if nerve cells are normal. In this test, the lining of the bowel is coated with a contrast dye (barium) so that the rectum, colon and sometimes part of the small intestine can be clearly seen on an X-ray. In this test, a thin tube called a catheter is placed in the rectum to measure the coordination of the muscles your child uses to pass stool. This standard X-ray test allows your child's doctor to see if there are any blockages in your child's abdomen. More-extensive testing is usually reserved for only the most severe cases of constipation. Stool found in the rectum may be tested for blood. Your child's physical exam will likely include placing a gloved finger into your child's anus to check for abnormalities or the presence of impacted stool. He or she will also likely ask you about your child's diet and physical activity patterns. Your child's doctor will ask you about your child's past illnesses.
0 kommentar(er)
