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Suggest Treatment For Severe Constipation In An Infant

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Posted on Fri, 25 Nov 2016
Question: Hello Doctor,

Our baby boy XXXXXXX is 5 Months and a week old now(born on this 26th May). He was exclusively breastfed until he entered into his 6 month and we are giving him Stage 1 Rice Nestum from the last three days(mixed with water) once a day with scoops. He is struggling to poop and visibly pushing very hard to get it out. He usually poops once every other day or once a day. His poop is very hard until initlially and slowly loosens as he approaches midway.

Can you please suggest a way for him to pass his stool comfortably. Also let us know if you want her mother to avoild certain foods or incorporate some in her diet.
Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Appreciate your time

Thanks
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Suggestions given

Detailed Answer:
Thanksks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone very carefully through your query and understand your concern. Let me remark that for a baby of this age, it is normal to pass stool several times a day or even once in 10 days and that is normal too. Unless the stool is hard and pellet like, you need not grow concerned.

It is good to know that the child has been exclusively breast fed till now. From 6 months of age solid food should definitely be started. You can start with thick liquids like dal water, porridge etc. and then move over to mashed solids like mashed boiled potatoes, mashed bananas etc. Thereafter start boiling pulses (dal) along with rice and vegetables and giving it in mashed form. Gradually introduce all sorts of food items, one item per week. Also be sure to gradually increase the frequency of semi solids per day. Make sure that he drinks small amounts of water alongside. You can continue to give Stage 1 Nestum Rice but I would prefer the home made alternatives mentioned.

His mother does not need to avoid any type of food. A healthy wholesome diet of any sort is fine for her.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (46 minutes later)
Hello Doctor, Thanks for your suggestion. That really helped.

But Can I draw your attention to my primary concern. His poop is hard and is struggling hard to push it. although rarely, he is pooping pellet like.

Please suggest some ways to have his stool normal.

Thanks
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Dietary fiber intake should be increased.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. I am sorry that I did not answer the primary issue to your satisfaction. But I intended to tell you that the diet of the child is going to evolve gradually and you need not really get concerned about the stool. Going through the following link should help:
http://patient.info/health/constipation-in-children-leaflet

Glycerine suppositories can be used without any worries but the mainstay of treatment would be to increase the total dietary fiber consumption. Wheat, corn, and rice XXXXXXX are high in insoluble fiber, which helps prevent constipation. XXXXXXX can be sprinkled into his favorite foods, from hot cereal and pancakes to muffins and cookies. Many popular high-fiber cereals and bars are also packed with XXXXXXX Beans really are the magical fruit. Isabgol (psyllium husk) or senna can also be given as fiber supplements.

Hope that helps.

Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Constipation In An Infant

Brief Answer: Suggestions given Detailed Answer: Thanksks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone very carefully through your query and understand your concern. Let me remark that for a baby of this age, it is normal to pass stool several times a day or even once in 10 days and that is normal too. Unless the stool is hard and pellet like, you need not grow concerned. It is good to know that the child has been exclusively breast fed till now. From 6 months of age solid food should definitely be started. You can start with thick liquids like dal water, porridge etc. and then move over to mashed solids like mashed boiled potatoes, mashed bananas etc. Thereafter start boiling pulses (dal) along with rice and vegetables and giving it in mashed form. Gradually introduce all sorts of food items, one item per week. Also be sure to gradually increase the frequency of semi solids per day. Make sure that he drinks small amounts of water alongside. You can continue to give Stage 1 Nestum Rice but I would prefer the home made alternatives mentioned. His mother does not need to avoid any type of food. A healthy wholesome diet of any sort is fine for her. Let me know if I could help further. Regards