Question
My son hasn’t had a bowel movement for several days. When I asked him if he wanted to have a bowel movement, he said he didn’t. This has us both quite worried. What kind of flush should a child with constipation and no desire to defecate drink?
Answer
After not having a bowel movement for several days, this is likely due to dry stool or poor gastrointestinal motility. Normally, you should drink plenty of plain water, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, consume more fiber-rich foods, avoid overeating, relax, and moderately engage in physical exercise to promote intestinal peristalsis. It’s also important to develop good eating habits. You can place your hand on your abdomen and massage in a clockwise direction to promote gastrointestinal motility.