HomeAnswersPediatric SurgeryconstipationWhat could be the permanent solution for chronic constipation in a 4-year-old kid?

My 4-year-old daughter has chronic constipation problem. Please suggest a permanent solution.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At November 7, 2020
Reviewed AtJune 9, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My daughter is 4 years old. She has chronic constipation right from three months of age. Also, she will not eat well. Her height is 3'31" and weight is 8.82 Ibs. We are giving her one scoop Laxopeg for the last one year. She is passing stools very easily, but her problem is not solving permanently. Even she is not eating well. She always chews the food and spits outside. And she swallows the food along with liquids like juice or water. Please suggest a solution.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please know that if the child is passing stools easily every day, it cannot be called constipation. I would like to know a few details about her. Does she strain while passing stools? Does she put a lot of effort or pressure to push stools out? Does she pass hard stools? How many days will she go without passing stools if you do not give her Laxopeg? Does she drink enough water and eat fruits and vegetables daily? Does she eat a lot of biscuits, chips, bakery items, pizza, burgers, etc.? Do you feel her tummy is abnormally bigger compared to her limbs (a photo will be helpful)?

Please know that constipation is mainly due to food habits and rarely because of a few underlying conditions that may require treatment or surgery. What I suggest is to give fruits as breakfast in the morning. Do not provide any type of snack or eatable to her until lunchtime (do not worry even if she does not eat for six hours). During this time, you can give her only water to drink. She will probably ask for food herself after about six hours. Do not force feed. If she asks for any particular snack, do not entertain her. Give her only that food which your family consumes during lunchtime. She will probably throw tantrums, but you should not give in to her demands. Please give her a glass of water to drink 10-15 minutes after lunch.

All these steps will help if her eating problem and the stooling pattern are only because of a faulty diet and lifestyle. If there are any underlying problems requiring treatment, she will need to be seen by a pediatrician. Try the above methods for about two weeks. If it does not settle down, then you should see a pediatrician.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Manu Chandarashekhara Bharadwaj
Dr. Manu Chandarashekhara Bharadwaj

Pediatric Surgery

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