Here at Kids That Go we have daily conversations with our clients and families about what stool softeners are and how they help to relieve constipation. Our recent blog on understanding what constipation is particularly helpful for starting this process: Poo problems – Is my child constipated?
STOOL SOFTENERS:
Stool softeners are also sometimes called laxatives. A laxative is a medication or supplement that helps the body have a bowel movement.
Stool softeners gently lubricate or soften the stool by adding a compound called Macrogol into the stool that absorbs water. When poos are in the bowel for a longer period than normal, they dehydrate and can become harder. Macrogel helps the stool to retain water and maintain a soft and easy to pass poo.
Macrogel is sold in two products: Osmolax and Movicol. Your GP, Pharmacist or other health professional (like a paediatrician) can help you decide if one of these products would be helpful to relieve constipation symptoms, the dose and frequency of medicine. It is important to always consult with a medical practitioner before administering any medicines to ensure that it is suitable and not contraindicated to any other treatments/health needs.
Here is a helpful video from Movicol that illustrates how Margrogol works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTCoJLaMeEA
It is important to treat constipation as early as possible. The longer untreated, the harder it will be to relieve.
IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD IS CONSTIPATED:
- Use a poo or bowel diary to keep track of their bowel habits for a few days using the Bristol Stool chart for reference.
- Record what their poo looks like, colour, size and how often they’re going and if the child feels any pain when pooing.
- If you prefer an online version, you could try a great little app called Happy Poop: https://apps.apple.com/ma/app/happy-poop-toilet-journal-log/id1586000388.
- Book an appointment for your child to be seen by your GP. Take the poo diary with you.
- The doctor will examine your child to make sure any constipation hasn’t been caused by an underlying condition and confirm if constipation is clinically indicated.
- If your GP diagnoses your child with constipation, they will implement a treatment plan – sometimes called ‘disimpaction’ or ‘wash-out’ (see our free Wash Out download here). This means carefully graded and increasing amounts of stool softeners to clear out the backlog of poo. It is important NOT to put any medications up the child’s bottom as this can add to their fear of pooing and it may take longer for them to learn to be independent with using the toilet regularly for their poo.
- Your doctor should ask you to book a follow-up appointment with them to check that the washout treatment has been successful and for your on-going management to avoid re-impaction/constipation.
It is important to know that constipation is not a problem that will necessarily clear in its own time or be helped by a short-term change in diet only. Constipation requires treatment as soon as identified.
Eric is a helpful website in the UK that has some great resources: https://eric.org.uk/advice-for-children-with-constipation/
I really like these helpful videos produced by Eric:
KEY TIPS TO HELP PREVENT YOUR CHILD FROM BECOMING CONSTIPATED AGAIN:
Once constipation has been treated it is very important to stop it coming back.
- Make sure there is sufficient hydration with regular, big water drinks every day.
- Include fruit and vegetables in their diet. Speak to a Dietician if this is a challenge for your child, as they can offer options to support a longer-term healthy bowel.
- Encourage a regular toilet routine: sitting on the toilet or potty after every meal and using a footstool to support their feet so that they are relaxed to let the poos out.
- Daily opportunities to exercise and move around especially when a poo may be predicted.
- Don’t stop giving stool softeners too early.
- Always consult with your medical practitioner or the Occupational Therapist working with you and your child. While an Occupational Therapist doesn’t prescribe medication, we can assist with how to take it, learning about medication and the body, and developing toileting skills and routines to support a healthy bowel.
ROS PULLMAN
Occupational Therapist.
