Could tummy pains/ huge huge poos in toddler be food intolerance

[looseleaf]

our dd has always been a fussy eater and had ongoing stomach pains. We've been to the gp about it several times who didn't seem concerned and now even her nursery are commenting that it.s not normal. She eats plenty of fruit/ veg etc but only poos every 3 days or so and in abnormal quantities. And quite often has diarrhea too. Does anyone please have any ideas?

Classic signs of constipation/faecal impaction.

The diarrhea is actually 'sneaky poo' that creeps around the lump of compacted poo. When they do go, the poo is so huge, it fills the loo. You will need to sort it out so her bowel doesn't stay stretched - see my other constipation thread earlier tonight.
Try to get her to drink more fluid and less milk (if she drinks a lot of milk)
The tummy pains would be from the constipation.
I'm not a GP but take her to the GP and ask if they think it's the above. I think you'll find it is.

Thanks. I'll look at your other thread. Her poo is very rarely compacted though, more smooth and loose to try and describe it! She drinks lots water and won't drink milk anyway

thanks for your replies, so grateful and i'll ask as booked in for Friday. can constipation be linked to a food intolerance? This has been going on for 1-2 years and dd was once diagnosed with celiac disease by a different doctor which our gp said was nonsense so we just left it. However I would just feel better if could rule out gluten/ dairy as causing problems as for instance dd would get diarrhea if we give her hot chocolate made with milk. I haven't got far with trying elimination in her diet as it.s limited by her fussy eating already but maybe should just do that.

Ok, thanks- am encouraged and will find out more about constipation! Thanks all

yes, I think dairy could cause constipation and from what you say, it could be as she gets diarrhea when having hot choc (although that could be the hot drink quickly passing through her system). In fact, with constipation, one of the things they say is a warm bath, tummy massage and warm drink to make them go.

Can you explain what you mean about a doctor diagnosed coeliac disease and your gp said it was nonsense? What test did the doctor (not gp) do?

You can get lactose intolerance as a side effect of Coeliac disease. Can you have her tested again just to rule it out. They can do a blood test initially.

Looseleaf - we went to our GP (who luckily had a Coeliac mother!) and asked to be referred to a paediatric consultant who did a blood test for Coeliac which came back positive. This is usually confirmed with a gut biopsy.

We would have had the biopsy but my niece had already had a diagnosis of Coeliac Disease so the consultant thought that was enough evidence to diagnose Coeliac in my DS2.

Following his diagnosis he went on a gluten free diet and is now fit and healthy, sociable and has a good appetite.

Don't change anything in her diet until all tests are completed - we had conflicting advice about this.

If she has Coeliac Disease I really hope you get it diagnosed so you can get help.
Also my DS1 who had no symptoms also tested positive.

If you have any other questions please ask.

I wrote in the child health blog earlier today about constipation and bowel control. I agree it sounds like faecal impaction (encopresis). If that is what it is, my doctor sent us away twice without treatment until I found out about encopresis on the internet. My 7 year had a blockage the size of a cricket ball in his bowel. This condition can affect self esteem, concentration and hence learning if left untreated. It may be caused by diet / water etc but also by physical or psychological reasons. It turned out my child was being bullied and was terrified of his teacher shouting at other children in case he was next. I would insist on him being checked by a pediatrician as it might signal more serious conditions.

Just another thought. You could try swapping to goats milk. My son swapped and his Asthma and Eczema improved greatly. I understand it can help with food intolerance too. We haven't cut out all cows milk. Just the large amount on cereals and bed-time drinks. Sainsbury's is the nicest according to my lad.

i've only just seen I had more lovely replies, am so grateful for all this info. Still waiting to see gastro specialist so will update but will be a while. Also, have switched to goats milk anyway and haven't changed gluten til I talk to doctor. Thanks x

Defo get the full gastro specialist treatment. Children can also get IBS - which could be why the symptoms are not constant, but cramping where they hold their ribs is also a sign. All my 3 have been told they have IBS, 2 also have dairy intolerance, the other has sucrose fructose intolerance. Keeping a food diary helps before you go to the gastro appt. with the 'outcomes' listed as well!

thanks auntevil. Our appointment not til November so my update will be slow but i'll be really interested in what they think. I still feel surprised 2 gps didn't feel a referral necessary despite the ongoing pains and at one stage dd was so tired wouldn't even walk around. But at least they're letting me see someone even if it's a wait!