Suggest Treatment For Severe Painful Constipation In A 1-year-old Child

Brief Answer:
Childhood constipation is pretty common

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

It seems to me that the abdominal pain is not due to causes like worm infestation. Rather, it seems to be due to improper bowel movements as caused by constipation. As the bowel muscles contract, they (ineffectively) try to propel the fecal matter.

Incidentally, constipation in children has become a very frequently encountered problem these days. The primary reason for the same is lack of adequate play and/or the lack of adequate amounts of fiber containing foods in diet.

You need to give a fiber rich diet. Wheat, corn, and rice bran are high in insoluble fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Bran 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 bran. Beans really are the magical fruit. Isabgol (psyllium husk) or senna can also be given as fiber supplements.

Fiber rich food items include:
* Apples, pears, parsnip, berries, raspberries, kumquats, guavas, squash, oranges, passion fuit, avocado, blackberries, pomegranate, currants, persimmons, kiwi fruits, figs, bananas, blueberries, cherries, apricots, strawberries, tangerines, papaya, mangoes, pineapple, plums, litchi, grapes, watermelon
* Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, brussels sprout, carrots, leafy vegetables and spinach, amaranth, artichokes, green peas, collard greens, kale, sweet potato, okra, fennel, eggplant/brinjal, sweetcorn, beets, turnip, asparagus, onions
* Legumes, beans, lentils, chickpeas, celery, soybean, navy beans, cranberry beans, french beans
* Whole grains, quinoa, brown rice, millets and oats, squash and pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, dried coconut, almonds,
* Mushrooms
* Flax seeds, chia seeds, corn bran

It is good to know that you make sure that he drinks plenty of water. However, you also need to ensure that he goes to pass stool at a regular time everyday (irrespective of whether he feels an urge to pass). This will demote stool holding habits and would promote regular bowel habits.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Diptanshu Das
Pediatrician

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