Question
My child has long intervals between bowel movements and black stools. What should I do?
Answer
First, check the regularity of the stool and occult blood to determine if there is gastrointestinal bleeding or inflammation. If there are no such problems, then find the cause of the black stools, such as medication effects. If the only issue is long intervals between bowel movements, consider using medications like lactulose to promote intestinal peristalsis and aid in defecation.