Question
Parent Inquiry: My child has not had a bowel movement for over a month, despite regular use of abdominal massage oil and good dietary conditions. What could be the cause?
Answer
The diagnosis of childhood constipation should be based on the quality and quantity of the stool, as well as whether it causes discomfort to the child, rather than solely on the frequency of bowel movements. Each child has different bowel habits, which are related to the amount and type of milk intake. Generally, breastfed infants have more frequent bowel movements than formula-fed infants, and formula-fed infants have harder stools than breastfed infants. If a child does not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days but can easily pass stools of normal hardness and quantity without discomfort, it should not be considered constipation. However, if the stool is dry, in small quantities, difficult to pass, and even causes pain or crying during defecation, it may be pathological. Common causes of constipation include intestinal obstruction, megacolon, poor diet, fever, and hypothyroidism. Four-mill Powder can be administered for a short period.