$Unique_ID{BRK00805}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Could Cause Serious Constipation in a Baby?}
$Subject{Hirschsprung's constipation infant infants baby babies child care
children Digestive colon anatomical irregularities disturbance bowel function
Encopresis diarrhea involuntary leakage barium enema treatment enemas
suppositories laxatives multivitamin supplements high-fiber toileting}
$Volume{S-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Could Cause Serious Constipation in a Baby?


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QUESTION:  Can you help us identify a disease that causes very serious
constipation in a baby?  What else could cause this problem?

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ANSWER:  You are probably thinking of Hirschsprung's Disease.  Hirschsprung's
Disease is a disorder in infants that usually occurs within the first week of
life, and is usually marked by the absence of bowel movements.  The physician
can usually diagnose this with advanced innovative techniques involving the
examination of the infant's colon.  If this disease is diagnosed, then it can
be corrected surgically.
     Constipation in children, and in infants, can be caused by either
anatomical irregularities, or by a disturbance of the normal bowel function
due to problems associated with toilet training, painful bowel movements, and
a host of other related reasons.
     Encopresis is usually discovered when a child is about seven years old,
but can become evident earlier or later.  Sometimes, parents don't recognize
that their child has a serious constipation problem until the child begins to
show signs of diarrhea or involuntary leakage or soiling on his undergarments.
By that time, the constipation may have been happening for as long as four or
five months!  It is, therefore, important that parents be as aware as possible
of any change in their child's bowel habits.  Once you are aware of the
problem, a physical exam by your family physician is of utmost importance.  An
x-ray may help identify the presence of any retained stool, and can be used to
check for abnormalities of the lower spine, pelvis, and anal areas.  In
certain circumstances, a barium enema may be required, which is also an
effective diagnostic tool in determining stool blockage.
     Once your physician determines the cause of the problem, he can offer
effective treatment plans to help your child overcome this problem.  Treating
encopresis may involve a combination of any of the following:  enemas,
suppositories, laxatives, multivitamin supplements, a high-fiber diet, regular
toileting, and preventive counseling.  Follow-up visits to your doctor are
important because once this condition has been treated successfully, the goal
is to withdraw the child from any medication he has been taking.
     Infants with constipation that is not a result of Hirschsprung's Disease
can usually be treated successfully with gentle laxatives.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.