Why Would Severe Constipation Persist In A 14-year-old Followed By Vomiting Despite Taking Three Doses Of Miralax And Two Fleet Suppositories?

Posted on Mon, 3 Apr 2017

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

Mon, 3 Apr 2017 Answered on

Wed, 31 May 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My 12 year old grandson has not had bowel movement in 4 days. Has been given 3 doses of Miralax over the four days and 2 Fleets suppositories, with still no movement. Should I get a Fleets enema and give it to him?? He has tried to eliminate with no success and is in quite a bit of pain. I;m at a loss as what to do to help him. Suggestions?

Grandson has begun vomiting. Says it is green in color

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take him to the hospital!

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Vomiting, abdominal pain and absence of stool always requires that the patient be evaluated. This is because this might suggest a block of the intestines. While it is somewhat more difficult to have a blocked bowel at this age, I will like to see that evaluated and excluded than go on with some assumptions. A quick examination and a possible X-ray would provide answers to us.

If no obstruction is identified, I will allow the hospital staff to proceed with rectal exam to help evacuate hard stool that is often the cause of failure to stool in children.

I strongly recommend an instant visit to the hospital at this time.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Dr. Ivo Ditah
Internal Medicine Specialist

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