Question

How to treat constipation in a one-year-old son? Detailed condition and consultation purpose: My son is now about 13 months old, but his bowel movements are not normal. He only has a bowel movement every one or two days, and sometimes every three or four days. After a long time without a bowel movement, the stool becomes very hard! We only use glycerin suppositories, but seeing him suffer is cannot bear to! Currently, he doesn’t like to eat and needs to be fed for a long time at each meal, and he gets very impatient!

Answer

  1. Treatment during the introduction of complementary foods: You can eat vegetable puree, fruits, cornstarch, and oatmeal, etc.
  2. Appropriately massage the abdomen: Massage the lower left abdomen. If you feel a string-like object, gently massage from top to bottom to promote bowel movement.
  3. Appropriately massage the anal opening of the infant: This can cause a physiological reflex and promote defecation.
  4. Appropriately engage in activities to promote bowel movement and induce defecation.
  5. Artificial bowel evacuation: Use mineral oil, glycerin suppositories, small soap bars, etc., for bowel evacuation while training defecation habits (only for severe constipation).
  6. Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment: Use herbs that clear heat, detoxify, and moisten the intestines for defecation.