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What Does Large Stools In A Adolescent Suggest?

Posted on Thu, 14 May 2015

Question: Granddaughter (12 years old and active) has very large stools (>2 inches across). She was not flushing the toilet, and we're just now figuring out it's because she's worried it will clog the toilet (which it often does).
We've been giving her Citrucel pills, which she won't actually take regularly.
Questions are: Are these large stools a symptom of a problem? Will they hurt her? If not a problem then my concerns are restricted to plumbing . . . what would reduce size so we're not dealing with toilet overflows and clogs?

Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please read the answers below

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thank you for asking to healthcaremagic

I have gone through your queries carefully.

Please find the answers below

1)Large sized stools may be expected with bulking agents like citrucel and is not a major concern unless associated with abdominal discomfort,blood in stools,vomiting etc.Seek immediate medical attention if any of the symptoms occur.

But you should consult a doctor,if large sized stools had never occured in the past..

2)It may not hurt.What she reports ?

3)Reducing the frequency may help reduce the size or consider even stopping the pills after consulting your family physician.

Hope this answers your query.Further queries are welcome.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (6 hours later)

Always been large stools, so not a result of Citrucell, which we've started just recently, it's not taken with any consistency, and when taken it's only one pill rather than the recommended two. No pain, apparently. Could you recommend some solution that would reduce plumbing problems and thus her fear of flushing the toilet? Would like to prevent this from being a problem for her when visiting friends.

Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Recommendations..

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

In this circumstance, I would recommend the below to reduce your concerns of plumbing and flushing toilet..

1)Stopping the intermittent use of the citrucel pill..

Safer alternatives for intermittent use that can help with the bowel movement like osmotic laxatives eg) lactulose,stimulant laxative eg)bisacodyl etc. The above said drugs have less bulking effect than citrucel.So larger stools are quite rare..

2)Encouraging fibre rich diet including fruits and fresh green vegetables would also help.

I would also suggest to consult a doctor to choose the suitable laxative that suits her.

Hope this answers your query

Take care

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad