Constipation
Causes and treatment
Constipation appears to be related to a modern diet. The
simplest measures include increasing the intake of fresh fruits,
salads and vegetables and ensuring an adequate fluid intake.
Pulses, lentils, rice, pasta, cereals like wheatabix and shredded
wheat are all rich in fibre. Prune juice and bioyogurt are also
helpful.
Laxatives may be tried under medical supervision, more resistant
cases may require enemas. If all else fails, an anal dilation under
anaesthesia may work wonders. Rarely, the diagnosis of
Hirschsprung's disease may be considered in cases of very severe
constipation starting in the first few months of life. Here the
innervation of the rectum may be abnormal, treatment involves a
major surgery.
Submitted by
Mr D Misra, Consultant Paediatric General Surgeon &
Urologist