CONSTIPATION

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR CONSTIPATION

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick.
Persistent abdominal pain longer than 1 hour (includes persistent crying).
Persistent rectal pain longer than 1 hour (includes persistent straining).
Vomiting more than 3 times in last 2 hours.
Age less than 1 month old and breastfed.
Age less than 12 months with recent onset of weak cry, weak suck or weak muscles.

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen.
Age less than 2 months.
Bleeding from anal fissures (tears).

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns.
Leaking stool.
Suppository or enema needed recently to relieve pain.
Days between BMs longer than 3 while eating a nonconstipating diet. (EXCEPTION: normal if breastfed infant older than 2 months AND BMs are not painful).
Toilet training is in progress.
Constipation is a recurrent problem.

Parent Care at Home If

Mild constipation and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

See Other Topics:

Abdominal Pain

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