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Suggest Remedy For Infrequent Passing Of Stool By An Infant
Question: my grand daughter is 2 months 20days old. she passed on her first stool on the first day of her birth. her parents are doctors . now she is facing stool problem . only little quantity is releasing. it is also not loose one . she flushes out when eneema served. specialist advised to give eneema contineously for three days. I am worrying about it. THYROID REPORT IS NORMAL. POTASSIUM IS AT MINIMUM LOW LEVEL. Examine thoroughly and advise me. EXCEPT THAT PRBLEM SHE IS ACTIVE AND HEALTHY.
Brief Answer:
I would like to rule out Hirschsprung disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir
Thanks for the query
Passage of infrequent or too frequent stool is a very common complaint in this age group.
It is said that number of stools 7 times a day to once in 7 days is normal for this age particularly if not associated with other symptoms like improper weight gain,frequent vomiting,abominal distension etc.
As you have given the history that the baby has passed stool on 1st day of life, the possibility of Hirschsprung disease is less likely.But few cases still may have the disease.
Whenever parents complaint of infrequent passage of stool that is worrisome I suggest to get a lower GI contrast test done for Hirschsprung disease and thyroid profile to rule out hypothyroidism.
As thyroid test has already been done I would like to get a contrast test done to alleviate the anxiety.
If baby is accepting orally well, gaining proper weight and there is no abdominal distension I won't get overly worried.
I would like to add sugar to the feed if she is top fed or to give formula milk mixed with some sugar thrice a day.This works as a very good laxative without any side effect.
I would also suggest you to avoid laxative, you can give glycerine suppository if needed.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any further query
Regards
I would like to rule out Hirschsprung disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir
Thanks for the query
Passage of infrequent or too frequent stool is a very common complaint in this age group.
It is said that number of stools 7 times a day to once in 7 days is normal for this age particularly if not associated with other symptoms like improper weight gain,frequent vomiting,abominal distension etc.
As you have given the history that the baby has passed stool on 1st day of life, the possibility of Hirschsprung disease is less likely.But few cases still may have the disease.
Whenever parents complaint of infrequent passage of stool that is worrisome I suggest to get a lower GI contrast test done for Hirschsprung disease and thyroid profile to rule out hypothyroidism.
As thyroid test has already been done I would like to get a contrast test done to alleviate the anxiety.
If baby is accepting orally well, gaining proper weight and there is no abdominal distension I won't get overly worried.
I would like to add sugar to the feed if she is top fed or to give formula milk mixed with some sugar thrice a day.This works as a very good laxative without any side effect.
I would also suggest you to avoid laxative, you can give glycerine suppository if needed.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any further query
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
IT IS OK BUT YOU HAVE NOT ANSWERED COMPLEATLY.WHAT ABOUT GIVING ENEEMA 2 SHE IS NOT COMPLETE STOOL INDEPENDENTLY 3 IS IT NORMAL EVEN IF NOT PASSED DTOOL FOR 10 DAYS 4 ANY ABNORMAL PROBLEM IS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS. PLEASE ADVISE
Brief Answer:
I would prefer glycerine suppository as it has very less side effects
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow up
As prolonged use of enema has many side effects I would prefer glycerine suppository if needed. If she is active, feeding well and there is no vomiting or abdominal distension I wont get worried. As metabolism of every individual is different, the baby may not pass stool even for 10 days. But still I would like to get a contrast test done to rule out any pathology.
As suggested above adding of sugar to the feed will help.
As you have consulted your physician and baby has been evaluated clinically, I won't get overly worried.
Regards
I would prefer glycerine suppository as it has very less side effects
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow up
As prolonged use of enema has many side effects I would prefer glycerine suppository if needed. If she is active, feeding well and there is no vomiting or abdominal distension I wont get worried. As metabolism of every individual is different, the baby may not pass stool even for 10 days. But still I would like to get a contrast test done to rule out any pathology.
As suggested above adding of sugar to the feed will help.
As you have consulted your physician and baby has been evaluated clinically, I won't get overly worried.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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