To avoid giving toddler Movicol?

[User79853257976]

Toddler DC has had constipation for a couple of months. A nurse reluctantly prescribed Movicol and said to try it for a week and then try to stop using it.

I am concerned about disrupting DC’s gut microbiome long term, especially as we have intestinal problems in the family.

We have tried upping fluid intake and tried natural remedies but DC is not a good eater at the moment so this has had limited success. AIBU to keep going with natural remedies? DC occasionally has a tummy ache but otherwise it’s more of a soiling issue. Any advice?

Movicol isn't a laxative it just increases moisture in the gut.

You could try canned prunes in syrup, I used to blend them and then freeze in an ice cube tray. Then add one to weetabix or porridge for my ds when he was a baby. Worked a treat.

Weetabix and prunes are good a keeping things regular but they shouldn't be used for impaction
I have a child with chronic constipation ,movicol works really weeell.

Apricots and plums will help too.

Just use the bloody medication. You're risking bigger issues not solving the constipation than any gut microbiome stuff that can be resolved with pro and pre biotics.

I don’t think the “bloody” is necessary. I’m living with a condition that can be genetic and trying to avoid anything that could raise the chances of my children developing it. I wouldn’t let it get to the stage you are insinuating.

I would definitely use it. You aren't doing his gut any good be allowing constipation to continue. If the movicol works then you're in a good position to try more fruits etc going forward.

Prune juice can be quite unpleasant in its effects.

Pears are a natural laxative, especially the skins. If he's not a good eater I would puree one to death and hide it in ice cream/angel delight/Nutella.

Have a look at the ERIC website at

https://eric.org.uk/advice-for-children-with-constipation/#:~:text=Taking%20laxatives%3A&text=When%20the%20bowel%20is%20clear,long%20term%2C%20undertreating%20constipation%20will.

It specifically states that laxatives will not harm children but long term constipation will. So I'd be tempted to do movicol. It's quite mild.

Eric also do a wee and poo free webinar which are AMAZING!

Or, if you're concerned with the possibility of a genetic issue speak to your GP before starting.

Movicol is fine with children. Ask doctor for advice if needed.
I would give it.

If your child is impacted (which it sounds like they are) then honestly its neglectful not to give it.

Just feed them up on yoghurt and fermented foods if you're worried about gut flora.

Long term constipation can be damaging for so many reasons - the bowel is literally being stretched when the child doesn't poo. Give a probiotic alongside the Movicol if you're worried about gut bacteria.

This again it isn't a laxative your sons gut will be at risk with his constipation, than movicol.

Untreated constipation will do more damage to his bowel than movicol will.

Based on kids in my family? Get constipation sorted, fast. It rapidly turns to withholding and impaction and can take years to fully resolve.

How long are you going to let the constipation continue though ?

Realistically, your child is going to have medication at some point that is going to impact their gut bacteria. It's unrealistic to expect them to never, for example, have antibiotics. We have a history of stomach issues (cancer, ulcerative colitis, coeliac) on both sides of the family so I get it but long term constipation is really not good either.

This, my 7yo has been suffering for months, if we stop it the problems start again

Constipation in children can be really difficult to get sorted, so I'd use the Moviola.

/ Movicol

My son has laxido for chronic constipation and has 3/4 sachets per day. If your child has been prescribed such a medication please use it. It causes so much pain if you don't.

Google encompresis and decide if you’d rather your kid deal with that or a slightly off gut microbiome.

My kid had it from constipation, and life was hell for about 3 years for us. I’ll spare you the details but we threw a lot of trousers away.

Just give the kid the medicine.

Soiling is a sign of constipation and needs to be treated. Movicol increases the fluid into the bowel to make poo softer. It stops the constipation getting worse or your child developing a fear of painful poo. It's not addictive and it's not like heavily medicating your child.

I wish I had given it to my child much earlier and consistently as it gets harder and harder to resolve as children get older.

Have you tried fresh orange?

My son had this when he was younger for a couple of years as he would get badly constipated and once suffered fecal impaction. It worked. If your child is prescribed it, use it. Constipation left untreated is way worse.

Use the movicol.

Have you tried dairy elimination? Dairy allergy is a leading cause of constipation in children.

My kid didn't poo for thirteen days.

Get on the Movicol.

If it’s been prescribed for all the right reasons I think it’s neglectful to not give the Movicol as prescribed and let your dc continue to have overflow diarrhoea.