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Suggest Treatment For Abdominal Gas And Constipation In A Child

Posted on Mon, 21 Sep 2015

Question: My baby had a large belly in the womb. Towards the end it was measuring 4 weeks ahead. It was mentioned by a consultant just after the birth but nothing done. She is now 6 weeks and suffers constantly with wind and constipation. She constantly grunts as if she is trying to go to the toilet. Really worried that something is wrong bit GP isn't can you help

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please answer the questions below

Detailed Answer:
Hi..

1. What was the birth weight and current weight?
2. Does the baby drink or suck milk very fast?
3. Does she gulp air while feeding?
4. Does she pass flatus with every motion?
5. Does she have unexplained vomiting / incessant vomiting - if so what is the color?
6. Does she have swelling of feet or hands?
7. Are there any unhealthy skin changes?

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Her birth weight was 7lb 3 oz she's niw 9lb 10oz. She does take in a lot of air because I have to use nipple sheilds because baby has a small month. Motions aren't often she dies pass wind when she does go. She does vomit but not a lot. No swelling has a permeates skin rash. She also is very congested and chokes 2 i'r 3 times during feeding

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Gaseous distension due to air gulping

Detailed Answer:
Hi...Her birth weight and current weight are excellent. So do not worry. This seems to be a gaseous distension to me...

This happens when the baby sucks at the breast very fast and in eagerness to drink milk will gulp in air too. Unless the air comes out like burping or flatus this discomfort will be there and next time check if the baby is sucking too fast and gulping in air too. You will be more convinced.

Usually I don't advice any medicines for this as they give only temporary relief.

The two best ways to relieve this distress is -
1. Do not put the baby in lying position after feeding till the baby burps out the swallowed air.
2. If still crying - put the baby in prone position and keep patting the back gently so that the baby passes off the flatus and gets relieved.

Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health.
Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (3 minutes later)

We currently do that and she will burp but last spent 3 hours straining to go the toilet. She has and umbilical hernia and with that string this pops out she also goes very red

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No laxatives at this age

Detailed Answer:
Hi...I understand your concern. If the baby is bottle fed them the constipation incidence is higher.

Laxatives should not be used at this age of 6weeks.

Even if the baby doesn't pass motion continuously for 7 days also you can wait. At the most you can give her few sips of boiled and slightly warm water so that it will relieve the constipation.
Face becoming red while passing motion or straining at stool us quite common at this age group.

A word of caution - as you say that she has got umbilical hernia - hernia protruding out while straining is common- but you should rush to the nearest emergency room if it doesn't go back normally or if it's turning blue.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar