How can my child's constipation problem be cured?

Dr Vidya Gupta
Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist,
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital,
New Delhi

Q: My daughter is 3.5 years old. She is having acute constipation and itching problems. How can she get relieved of this problem?

A:For constipation and itching, try the following measures:

Increase the amount of fluid intake.

Ensure that the fibre intake is good by including vegetables, fruits and whole wheat bread / roti in preference to foods like rice, potatoes, milk, etc.

Try and establish a regular time for passing stool.

If the stool is hard, use a paediatric glycerine suppository for immediate relief. This should be pushed into the rectum as high as possible.

If necessary, use a mild laxative like milk of magnesia until the bowel habit becomes more regular for a short period of time.

As a stool softener, use Lactulose syrup 10 ml twice a day.