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Suggest Treatment For Constipation

Posted on Mon, 17 Nov 2014

Question: My son is 3 1/2 and only weighs about 26 pounds his very picky eater dr is sending him to a gastroenterologist he gets constipated due to he eats a lot of starch dr is concern as he his not gaining weight what can cause him not to gain weight u know he doesnt get enough calories plus he plays alot so im guessing his burning it should i be concern i have been concern about his weight for some time now but dr never said anything until now

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rule out anemia/thyroid/diabetes issues first...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

There are many factors contributing to child's weight and height, including:
- genetics
- metabolic problems: thyroid? diabetes?
- anemia?
- diet

In your child's case, apart diet, I'd go deeper and run further lab tests to exclude anemia? thyroid and diabetes problems?

If everything is ok, then, I'd ask to work with your child to help him eat healthy. Supplements can also help. A consultation with dietitian will help. Extra calories should be added to his food.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (24 minutes later)

He has had anemia i have worked with nutrionist and he goes to a eating psychologist he has had blood work for celic disease Negative and some other blood work i know he doesnt get enough calories due to the number of foods he likes so my concern is the weight not gaining also what is the average weight at this age thank u

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Average weight at 3&1/2yrs old=33 pounds...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

1. Your son is 3 and 1/2 years old and weighs only 26 pounds. I was looking at the growth charts and realized that your son's weight in under the 5th percentile. In other words, it under the normal averaged weight for his age. He should be at least 30 to 33 pounds.

2. Anemia is one of the major causes that won't let children gaining weight. If you "fight anemia" and get his blood work back to normal again, he will start gaining weight properly.

3. I'd advise to run thyroid function test in order to rule out hyperthyroidism.

Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (8 minutes later)

Thank i will do also i feel like his never hunger food doesn't interest him his father as a child was also the same way

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get the tests done...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Genetics is another crucial factor that will be not changed.

Get the tests done and get his anemia healed and see how it goes.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj