My family is a wealth of content for this blog. This week my 7 year old daughter has been constipated. We are always a little concerned about this because no one else in the house suffers from constipation and you really hate to see your kids suffering from anything.
Usually for the first couple of days after the first day that my daughter is constipated we will just make jokes about poo, with kids there is always joking about poo so it is fine but after a while we will start laying Taylor on the prune juice and making sure that she eats lots of Bran. All of this usually does the job and the constipation will never seem to last more than four days. This time my daughters constipation lasted for about six days so we took her to the doctor.
First of all most people and doctors seem to agree that to avoid constipation most people just need exercise, drinking lots of water and making sure that their diets are high in fiber. Sometimes this is not enough but usually this is all it takes to stay regular.
Our doctor gave us a couple of options Suppositories, Laxative, and Enemas
Suppositories
Glycerin Suppositories acts as a lubricant and a mild irritant and stimulates the muscles of the intestine, causing it to contract. The contractions help to move the stools along and makes passing them out of the body much easier.
Glycerin Suppositories may also be known as Glycerol. You may notice either name on the packaging of your medicine. Before using Glycerin Suppositories make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
if you think that you may be so constipated that you have a blockage
if you have any pain in the lower abdomen
if you feel bloated or have stomach cramps
if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines
How to use Glycerin Suppositories
Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
1. If the suppository is too soft, it may be chilled in the refrigerator or under cold running water before unwrapping. Remove the wrapping and moisten the suppository with water. Lie on your left side (if you are right handed) and draw your knees up towards your chest, with the right leg drawn up more than the left.
2. Using your index finger or middle finger, whichever you find easier, gently push the suppository into the rectum, pointed end first.
3. The suppository should be inserted as far as possible, pushing the end of the suppository sideways to ensure contact with the wall of the bowel.
4. Lower your legs to a comfortable position to help you to hold the suppository in place.
5. Retain the suppository in place for at least 15 to 20 minutes if possible. If you feel the suppository must come out immediately, it has not been inserted high enough.
6. You may feel an immediate urge to go to the toilet. Try to ignore this as the suppository will not work for at least 15 minutes.
Laxatives
Laxatives are medications used for the treatment of constipation. Constipation may be defined as having 2 or fewer bowel movements per week or excessive difficulty or straining with bowel movements. Every individual has different bowel habits. It is important to know what is normal for you. Causes of constipation include poor diet, physical abnormalities, disease and medications. A diet high in fibre, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercise are important factors for maintaining normal bowel habits.