United Kingdom (Great Britain)
A 34-year-old male asked:
My son who is 3 has suffered with constipation for about 9 months now, what is the best natural treatment you can suggest?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jay Bradleyanswered
Cornea, Cataract, & Refractive (LASIK & PRK) Surgery 20 years experience
Prune juice: Prune juice or prunes worked well when needed for my children.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Charles Cattanoanswered
Gastroenterology 41 years experience
Meds and evaluation: Stool softeners and/or miralax, (polyethylene glycol) but evaluation is important to rule out metabolic issues, pelvic floor problems, hirschprung's disease, or GI stenosis, particularly if constipation persists. Best to him please.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Johanna Frickeanswered
Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral 52 years experience
Chronic constipation: Needs to be assessed by a pediatrician or pediatric gastroenterologist, with a plain x-ray of his abdomen. If he's not "cleaned out" before giving bulk laxatives/prune juice, he'll cramp worse. Stool softeners must be given for 6 months or > after clean-out to prevent stool with-holding, encopresis, & long-term health problems. Reduce intake of milk & milk products to 16-21 ounces/day.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 10, 2014
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