Q. Why is my 3. 5 year old daughter having irregular bowel movement and mucus in stool?

Hi doctor,

My 3.5 year old daughter has irregular bowel movements with a recent problem of mucus in stool. Earlier also, she did not poop regularly. I use laxative when she does not poop for two to three days consecutively. Recently, she has a problem of mucus in her stool for approximately a month. She always complains of pain or cramps around her navel before a bowel movement. I got an ultrasound, which revealed that she has a mildly enlarged liver. When I consulted a local pediatrician, he stated that mild enlargement of the liver might be there in children, and nothing has to be done. He prescribed a medicine named Livosil B. We used it for 2 to 3 days, but my daughter is still suffering from irregular bowel movement and mucus in stool. Please help me.

Hi doctor,

Thank you for replying. She passes almost normal, that is, a bit hard stool. If laxatives are provided, then stool may be a little soft. There was a small spot of blood once, approximately 15 days ago when she was taking Metronidazole (Flagyl syrup). There is no complaint around the anal area, but since a few days, she holds the area around her navel and says its paining. Instantly after a bowel movement, the pain disappears. But, it seems to me from her gesture that it might be a cramp rather than pain. If she passes a stool after having laxative, the quantity of stool may be in bulk. No, thyroid profile has not been done nor prescribed by the local doctors. She does not have any major problem, but she suffers from cough quite frequently. Here, another point is to be mentioned that the child sweats even in winter or cold condition. The child has been provided deworming agents (Albendazole). LFT was not done.