Can laxatives and anticholinergics help manage constipation?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 12-year-old son ate spicy food yesterday and experienced severe stomach pain throughout the night, preventing him from sleeping. He also has an issue with his stomach where whatever he eats does not get digested, and even the vegetables he consumes are not digested properly, passing through in his bowel movements. What could be the issue, and what dietary changes should be made? Are there any tests that should be taken? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. I recommend getting the child evaluated physically for constipation and celiac Disease. Regarding constipation, if the child's weight is below the average for their age and tests for celiac disease are negative, it is more indicative of constipation. This can be confirmed with an X-ray of the abdomen. For constipation, please administer syrup Polyethylene glycol (dosage based on the child's weight) twice a day for two days, followed by (dosage based on the child's weight) twice a day for two weeks, along with plenty of water for 10 days. Give syrup, a combination of Dicyclomine, and Paracetamol (dosage based on the child's weight) on an SOS (as needed) basis if the child complains of abdominal pain. For long-term benefits regarding constipation, reduce the intake of bread and bread products, milk, chocolates, and chips, and increase water intake.

For the assessment of celiac disease, please conduct the following investigations: TtG IgA (tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A), IgA levels, and CBC (complete blood count). Further management will depend on the results of these tests.

Thank you.