Question
A breastfeeding infant is experiencing difficulty in defecation and relies on the laxative enema to have bowel movements. The stool is soft and there is no crying, with the enema being used once every 7 to 8 days. This situation has been ongoing for over a month. The parents are concerned about the potential side effects of the enema and seek diagnosis and advice on this phenomenon.
Answer
It is recommended that the parents take their child to the hospital for a check-up to rule out any anal or rectal diseases and ensure the child’s health. Long-term use of the laxative enema for infant constipation should be avoided as it may affect the normal contraction of the anal sphincter. The mother should pay attention to her diet, avoid consuming excessive spicy foods such as fried or spicy dishes, and observe if the infant shows signs of heat, such as excessive eye boogers or redness around the anus. Additionally, one can try feeding the infant rice water with sugar or using chrysanthemum flowers to alleviate constipation symptoms.