Symptoms:
- Hard, dry stools that come infrequently.
- Sometimes cause pain and bleeding during BM.
- No BM longer than 4 days (exception – exclusively breast fed infants may go longer periods up to 7 days).
Treatment:
Infant (0 – 2 months)
- Try using a well lubricated thermometer or Q-tip to stimulate the rectum.
- Give 1/2 – 1 oz prune juice mixed with an equal amount of water once daily as needed.
- If these steps do not work, call for further consultation during regular office hours.
2 months – 1 year
- Above treatments.
- Limit binding foods such as bananas, rice cereal, and applesauce.
- Increase high fiber content foods (fresh fruits and veggies).
- Add fruit juices to diet (no more than 8-10 oz per day).
- A warm bath may decrease abdominal cramps and encourage a BM.
- If these steps do not work, call for further consultation during regular office hours.
Over 1 year
- Above treatments.
- Limiting binding foods above plus excessive dairy products (milk >16-20 oz a day, cheese, yogurt).
- Increase high fiber foods including bran, whole grains, oatmeal, (popcorn if over 3 years of age).
- May try pediatric glycerin suppository once or twice.
- If these steps do not work, call for further consultation during regular office hours.
← Constipation