Featuring Experts From
Q.
my 5 year old has stomach pains and cant poop.
Answers From Experts & Organizations (2)
SUCCESS!A.
You may have the answer. Abdominal discomfort and inability to have a bowel movement in a five year old is typically constipation (the pain may be caused by gas), or even stool-holding (a condition where the child does not want to defecate and tries to hold it.) If the continues to have pain and is not defecating, he will need to be properly examined.
If constipation has been a long-term issue, he will need to see his medical provider anyway or some specific dietary intervention or perhaps the addition of a stool softener in his diet.
If constipation has been a long-term issue, he will need to see his medical provider anyway or some specific dietary intervention or perhaps the addition of a stool softener in his diet.
This answer should not be considered medical advice...
This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.
SUCCESS!A.
Aw, I'm sorry for your little one.
You're certainly describing the classic symptoms of constipation. Luckily, there are a few things you can do at home to see if you can help your child have a bowel movement. However, if your child goes more than a couple of days without a bowel movement, you need to call your pediatrician.
One thing you can do is give your child some prune juice. Unless your child has blood sugar problems (diabetes), he or she should be able to tolerate this treatment just fine. Prune juice is a tried and true approach to constipation relief.
The best way to "treat" constipation is to prevent it. Feed your child a healthy diet that includes plenty of fiber from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Also make sure your child drinks plenty of water and gets some exercise every day. These three components are crucial in preventing constipation.
Please do not give your child a laxative without consulting your pediatrician. Dosing can be tricky with children, and your pediatrician is in the best position to advise you about what laxative to use and what dosage to give.
Wishing you all the best!
You're certainly describing the classic symptoms of constipation. Luckily, there are a few things you can do at home to see if you can help your child have a bowel movement. However, if your child goes more than a couple of days without a bowel movement, you need to call your pediatrician.
One thing you can do is give your child some prune juice. Unless your child has blood sugar problems (diabetes), he or she should be able to tolerate this treatment just fine. Prune juice is a tried and true approach to constipation relief.
The best way to "treat" constipation is to prevent it. Feed your child a healthy diet that includes plenty of fiber from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Also make sure your child drinks plenty of water and gets some exercise every day. These three components are crucial in preventing constipation.
Please do not give your child a laxative without consulting your pediatrician. Dosing can be tricky with children, and your pediatrician is in the best position to advise you about what laxative to use and what dosage to give.
Wishing you all the best!
This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.
Other Ways to Get Answers
on WebMD:
-
Want to stay informed?
Get health information delivered straight to your inbox
-
Have a symptom?
Go to WebMD Symptom Checker
-
Want to talk to others?
Be a part of the WebMD Community
-
Looking for the latest health information?
Get WebMD Health News
-
Want to be the best you can be?
Take a Self-Assessment
Got Your WebMD Answer?
Next Steps:
Ask Your Question
WebMD Answers
Important: The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, blogs, or WebMD Answers are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment. Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.