What Causes Persistent Constipation In A Child?

Posted on Sat, 31 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 31 Dec 2016 Answered on

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. My five-year old daughter is constantly constipated. She eats a well-balanced diet and drinks plenty of water during the day, yet she still has small, rocky poops every time she goes.

I was wondering what you'd recommend to address the constipation. Specifically:
1) Is prune juice okay to use?
2) Is it safe / recommended to give children probiotics, and might this help?

Thanks in advance for any information you have.
Best Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Arun (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it is ok

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
Constipation is a common issue in kids at this age.
The main management is dietary modifications
I would suggest the following
1. Decrease carbohydrates and increase fruits and vegetables.
2. Avoiding fatty foods especially for dinner would help.
3. Drinking plenty of liquids including any fruit juice will help. Prune juice is good. You can try but works the same like any other.
Giving whole fruits is better than juice as it helps retaining the fiber.
4. Probiotics can be tried as a course for few days to help in proper digestion.
Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D