Question

Dear Sir or Madam, my daughter is two months old and has been experiencing constipation since she was a week old. Initially, she had a bowel movement every two days, then every three days, then every four days, and now it’s been five days without a bowel movement. I am very worried about her. Which medication is most effective for treating pediatric constipation, probiotics, Seven Star Tea, or something else?

Answer

There are various causes of pediatric constipation. The following points are mainly included: 1. Dietary insufficiency: When a baby eats too little, the residue in the intestines decreases, leading to less bowel movements; insufficient sugar in milk makes the stool dry; prolonged malnutrition weakens the abdominal and intestinal muscles, reduces tension, and decreases peristalsis, causing stubborn constipation. 2. Inappropriate food composition: Constipation is closely related to food composition. An excess of protein and insufficient carbohydrates in the diet reduces the relative amount of intestinal fermentation bacteria, affects the fermentation process, causing the stool to become alkaline and dry, which further leads to constipation. For example, foods containing a large amount of casein can easily cause constipation due to a large amount of indissolvable calcium soap in the stool. In addition, the lack of residue in dehusked rice flour and refined flour also easily causes constipation. The most effective treatment method for pediatric constipation should be determined according to the specific situation. Generally, the following measures can be tried:

  1. Adjust diet: Ensure that the baby has a balanced diet and increase dietary fiber intake, such as increasing the intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grain foods.
  2. Increase fluid intake: Make sure the baby has enough water intake, and provide appropriate amounts of warm water or breast milk/formula milk.
  3. Regular abdominal massage: Gently massage the baby’s abdomen to promote intestinal peristalsis and help with smooth defecation.
  4. Probiotic supplementation: Under medical guidance, consider giving the baby probiotic supplements to help regulate the balance of intestinal flora.
  5. Moderate exercise: Appropriate exercise can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and promote defecation. If the above methods are ineffective or if the baby’s constipation is severe, it is recommended to seek medical attention early on and let the doctor develop a treatment plan based on the specific situation.