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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Dulcolax And Miralax Be Given For Constipation?

Hello...my 13 year old doctor has been experiencing the urge to poop about every hour & when she tries to go, nothing comes out. She had the flu last Thursday, threw up for a day, then the next day was constipated. Took her to dr. yesterday - xray confirmed that she has backed up stool in her bowel - but this is on the left side. We're concerned about the constant urge to poop & the pain on the right side. Dr. said nothing else about it being anything other than constipation. We're on a regimen of dulcolax suppositories & miralax to soften it as it comes out. Going on the 4th day of this now & we're all exhausted. Help.
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Sun, 31 Aug 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 1 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

As your daughter is experiencing difficulty in bowel movement for 4 days, you can give Dulcolax and Miralax for the moment.

Though symptomatic relief from constipation can be obtained by intake of laxatives and stool softeners, the underlying cause needs to be treated.
Constipation can be caused due to:
1. Any pathology/ sub acute obstruction in the Gastrointestinal tract (as observed on the X ray).
2. Irritable bowel syndrome- constipation predominant type.
3. Functional cause- due to decreased gastric motility.
4. Inadequate intake of fluids and fiber rich diet.
5. Hormonal & Metabolic causes, etc.

So, it will be better to consult a Gastroenterologist for a proper clinical examination.
Further investigations like stool examination, Ultrasound scan of abdomen, Colonoscopy & contrast studies will be helpful to rule out any pathological cause for her symptoms.

Wishing your daughter a good health.
Take care.
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Can Dulcolax And Miralax Be Given For Constipation?

Hello dear, As your daughter is experiencing difficulty in bowel movement for 4 days, you can give Dulcolax and Miralax for the moment. Though symptomatic relief from constipation can be obtained by intake of laxatives and stool softeners, the underlying cause needs to be treated. Constipation can be caused due to: 1. Any pathology/ sub acute obstruction in the Gastrointestinal tract (as observed on the X ray). 2. Irritable bowel syndrome- constipation predominant type. 3. Functional cause- due to decreased gastric motility. 4. Inadequate intake of fluids and fiber rich diet. 5. Hormonal & Metabolic causes, etc. So, it will be better to consult a Gastroenterologist for a proper clinical examination. Further investigations like stool examination, Ultrasound scan of abdomen, Colonoscopy & contrast studies will be helpful to rule out any pathological cause for her symptoms. Wishing your daughter a good health. Take care.