Question
My niece is 3 years old and she finds it very difficult to have a bowel movement. She has to squat for a long time before she can go, and sometimes she bleeds. Her stools are not dry, and while the beginning part is difficult, the rest is normal. What should I do? Have we ever seen a doctor and what was the treatment effect? What kind of assistance do we need?
Answer
This could be a case of pediatric constipation. It is usually recommended to increase the child’s water intake and consume more vegetables and fruits, which are rich in fiber. You can also try abdominal massage for your child to promote intestinal peristalsis. If the situation does not improve, consider giving your child some medications that help with defecation, such as Seven Star Tea or Huashi Pill.