Question
My child is a 2.5-year-old boy. From birth to now, he has never been able to defecate on his own. He always needs to use laxatives to be able to defecate; otherwise, he cannot. What’s going on, doctor?
Answer
The first point to note in treating children’s constipation is the correct guidance by parents, recognizing the baby’s pre-defecation cues, and establishing a regular, fixed schedule for daily bowel movements. If the child does not defecate, they should not be forced to do so, nor should they be made to sit on the bed for extended periods. In terms of diet, they should be given refined foods, vegetables, sweet potatoes, fruits, and so on. Children with constipation often need training to develop defecation habits. Medications can also be administered regularly to promote peristalsis and lubricate the intestines.