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Can Gripe Water Be Given For Constipation In A Child?

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Posted on Tue, 8 Nov 2016
Question: what is the use of gripe water, is it safe ? my 6 month offen has this constipation where he passes hard stool and cries..
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Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Questions answered one by one

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Children often take in air as they swallow. Gripe water or medicines like Colicaid which contain simethicone help in releasing this air and therefore help in abdominal distension and thus provide relief in case of unexplained crying. Colicaid is safe. Gripe water is expected to be safe but studies are lacking.

For a baby of this age, it is normal to pass stool several times a day or even after each feed. Alternatively the child may pass stool once in 10 days and that is normal too. Unless the stool is hard and pellet like, you need not grow concerned and need not consider it to be constipation.

Let me know the age and body weight of the child and I would guide you about what should be done in case of constipation.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (48 minutes later)
5 and half months anf wt is 6.4 kgs.
not all the times but once in a week , he struggles to pass his tool for 1to 2 days otberwise generally he passes hatd stools , as advised by doctor we give lot of water.my doc had suggested to give smulac syrup if he does not pass stool for more than 6 7 days
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Your doctor is right.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Sorry for not being able to respond faster.

Your doctor is right. As of now there is no change in diet advisable. You can give him Smulax Syrup if the child does not pass stool in 6-7 days. Nothing else needs to be done.

Let me know if I could help further.

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
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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Can Gripe Water Be Given For Constipation In A Child?

Brief Answer: Questions answered one by one Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. Children often take in air as they swallow. Gripe water or medicines like Colicaid which contain simethicone help in releasing this air and therefore help in abdominal distension and thus provide relief in case of unexplained crying. Colicaid is safe. Gripe water is expected to be safe but studies are lacking. For a baby of this age, it is normal to pass stool several times a day or even after each feed. Alternatively the child may pass stool once in 10 days and that is normal too. Unless the stool is hard and pellet like, you need not grow concerned and need not consider it to be constipation. Let me know the age and body weight of the child and I would guide you about what should be done in case of constipation. Regards