Constipation Causes and Treatments Los Angeles CA

Symptoms:

• Straining as if to have a bowel movement but with no results.       
• Hard, dry stool.      
• Bloody streaks in the BM due to hard dry stools.      
• Distended abdomen with excess gas – maybe accompanied by stomachache, cramping or nausea.     
• Crying when having a BM. 

Treatment: 

• Increase fluid intake by giving frequent drinks of water or fruit juice.       
• Look at the child’s diet - foods such as white flour, rice, bananas, applesauce and peanut butter, milk and cheese may be the cause of a firmer stool.
• Foods such as prunes, raisins, peaches, and plums may be good for producing a looser stool.       
• Never give your child laxatives or enemas unless your pediatrician says it's OK - laxatives can be dangerous to children if not used properly.      
• If your child has a severe case of constipation, your pediatrician may prescribe medicine to soften or remove the stool.

Call the Doctor if:  

• Blood is noted in the stool.       
• Large, hard and dry stools occur.
• If your child is stool holding, that is refusing to have a BM. Stool holding may happen if a hard bowel movement has caused pain. This can lead to significant constipation and help from the doctor may be needed.       
• Child cries excessively when having a BM. 

Prevention for children.

• Ensure your child is eating plenty of fiber rich foods such as wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water. Exercise along with a healthy diet will help bowels to move! 
• Having a bowel movement should be free of discomfort. When that does not occur, then refer to these tips and seek help if things just don’t come out as they should!