The most common condition that leads to the use of bowel cleansing in pediatric patients is constipation. This condition is present in anywhere from 3 to 5 percent of children worldwide. There are several methods to cleanse a child's bowel that must be performed under the supervision of your physician or pediatrician.
Constipation can be caused by several illnesses such as Hirschsprung's Disease or cystic fibrosis and hypothyroidism. However, there are many children that suffer with constipation, both acute and chronic. This can be due to the eating habits of the child or other members in the family.
Lifestyle Changes for Bowel Cleansing
A child must start life with a balanced diet. In other words, he must eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that will in turn allow for properly functioning bowels. This is the best way to prevent constipation and avoid bowel cleansing procedures.
Allow your child to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. If she is having infrequent bowel movements, you may add a little bit of light or dark corn syrup to the child's formula or beverage. And of course, allow him to play and get enough exercise to keep the bowel active.
It is also important to maintain a positive attitude in regarding bowel movements, as children are prone to hold in feces when they feel the bowel movement will hurt or the parents will get angry because of it. Children who refrain from bowel movements by tightening their abdominal and rectal muscles are on their way to chronic constipation.
Medications for Bowel Cleansing
Once lifestyle changes have been implemented with little or no result, it is time to begin thinking of bowel cleansing procedures. One of the first things your pediatrician will try is the use of a glycerin suppository. These can be given occasionally when the episodes of constipation are not frequent.
When children are a bit older, the use of milk of magnesia will be beneficial to treat their constipation. Another option is mineral oil that will help lubricate the bowels. Both of these remedies are not usually accepted on their own so they should be placed in a beverage.
If the constipation persists, your pediatrician will consider starting your child on mild lubricant laxatives such as Colate. If this is not working, then your child will move up to the use of stimulant laxatives such as Maltsupex or Dulcolax. However, keep in mind that these treatments are to be followed for at least three months before they can be discarded as useless for your child.
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