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Why is my 3.5 year old daughter having irregular bowel movement and mucus in stool?

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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.

Answered by

Dr. Payas Joshi

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 27, 2017
Reviewed AtMay 23, 2023

Patient's Query

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.

Answered by Dr. Payas Joshi

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  1. Does she pass hard stools or normal stools with irregularity?
  2. Any history of blood in stools?
  3. Does she also complain of pain during defecation around the anal area?
  4. Has she ever passed stools in bulk sometime?
  5. Did you get her thyroid profile done?
  6. Does she have any other problem?
  7. Have you dewormed her?
  8. Was LFT (liver function test) normal?

Kindly answer these questions for a better understanding of your child's problem. Regards.

Patient's Query

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 thechild sweats even in winter or cold condition. The child has been provided deworming agents (Albendazole). LFT was not done.

Answered by Dr. Payas Joshi

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It seems that your baby has chronic constipation, which is quite common in this age group due to faulty toilet training. Laxative like Lactulose can be tried for 7 to 10 days. Her diet should be improved, and more fiber should be added. Actually, due to hard stools, babies have difficulty in passing stools, and they try to avoid defecation, which makes stools hard. We need to break this cycle. I also suggest getting her thyroid levels checked.

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

Dr. Payas Joshi
Dr. Payas Joshi

Pediatrics

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