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Should Child With Constipation Be Given Miralax?
My daughter is 9 years old. (will be 10 in about 3 weeks). She has always had trouble with constipation as I believe she doesn't eat enough vegetables/ fruits etc. Since Sunday she has had a few loose stools, stomach cramping, I can hear her stomach making noises even in her sleep. She is passing large amounts of gas & now her burps literally smell like feces. I tried to get her into her normal physician this pm but he was booked. I took her to an urgent care type place & the dr felt like it is IBS. He prescribed a prescription strength Miralax. Do you agree that this is what needs to be done or she should be tested further?
Mon, 17 Feb 2014
Hi,
As your daughter is having continuous problems with constipation, I highly suggest to find out the cause:
- diet poor in fiber
- GI problems (candida/parasitic infections)
- less water consumption
I suggest to run further tests to find out the real cause :
- microscopical examination of stool for ova/parasites
- culture of stool for candida
- abdominal ultrasound
Depending on the test results, specific treatment will be prescribed.
Meanwhile, I advise to:
- encourage her to drink more water
- take Miralax as suggested by the doctor. Indeed, it is prescribed to treat constipation in children for short period of time.
- try to convince her to eat foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables, meals, etc.)
- advise her to have her meals regularly and often
- encourage to keep physically active to help her bowels keep moving. Advise not to stay too long in front of the computer or TV
She is about to enter to the adolescence life-stage, so, hormonal changes can also give such problems to your daughter. However, as mentioned earlier, you might identify what is really causing constipation to your daughter.
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana
As your daughter is having continuous problems with constipation, I highly suggest to find out the cause:
- diet poor in fiber
- GI problems (candida/parasitic infections)
- less water consumption
I suggest to run further tests to find out the real cause :
- microscopical examination of stool for ova/parasites
- culture of stool for candida
- abdominal ultrasound
Depending on the test results, specific treatment will be prescribed.
Meanwhile, I advise to:
- encourage her to drink more water
- take Miralax as suggested by the doctor. Indeed, it is prescribed to treat constipation in children for short period of time.
- try to convince her to eat foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables, meals, etc.)
- advise her to have her meals regularly and often
- encourage to keep physically active to help her bowels keep moving. Advise not to stay too long in front of the computer or TV
She is about to enter to the adolescence life-stage, so, hormonal changes can also give such problems to your daughter. However, as mentioned earlier, you might identify what is really causing constipation to your daughter.
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana
I find this answer helpful
Hi!
WELCOME TO HCM!
Your daughter has had a few loose stools, stomach cramping,and is passing large amounts of gas .She seems to be having gastroenteritis.Viruses (particularly rotavirus) and the bacteria Escherichia coli and Campylobacter species are the primary causes of gastroenteritis. There are, however, many other infectious agents that can cause this.Gastroenteritis is usually an acute and self-limiting disease that does not require medication. The preferred treatment in those with mild to moderate dehydration is oral rehydration therapy (ORT).You must give ORS to your daughter to keep her hydrated.
Constipation is a common problem for infants and children.
While there are some medical causes of constipation, such as hypothyroidism, most children who are constipated are normal.
Miralax is an osmotic laxative and is widely prescribed in children no harmful effect has been noted but no study has been conducted to prove that its absolutely safe in kids.Instead fruits and vegetables must be encouraged .Hope this helps.
WELCOME TO HCM!
Your daughter has had a few loose stools, stomach cramping,and is passing large amounts of gas .She seems to be having gastroenteritis.Viruses (particularly rotavirus) and the bacteria Escherichia coli and Campylobacter species are the primary causes of gastroenteritis. There are, however, many other infectious agents that can cause this.Gastroenteritis is usually an acute and self-limiting disease that does not require medication. The preferred treatment in those with mild to moderate dehydration is oral rehydration therapy (ORT).You must give ORS to your daughter to keep her hydrated.
Constipation is a common problem for infants and children.
While there are some medical causes of constipation, such as hypothyroidism, most children who are constipated are normal.
Miralax is an osmotic laxative and is widely prescribed in children no harmful effect has been noted but no study has been conducted to prove that its absolutely safe in kids.Instead fruits and vegetables must be encouraged .Hope this helps.
I find this answer helpful
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