Constipation, Age 11 and Younger

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your child's condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• When did the constipation begin?
• How often does your child normally have a bowel movement?
• Are the stools hard or soft?
• Does your child have a history of constipation?
• Has prevention or home treatment helped relieve the constipation?
• If your child has been toilet trained, has he or she had any leakage of soft or liquid stool that has stained his or her underwear?
• Has your child had a recent change in diet, daily routine, or environment?
• Has your child recently started taking a new prescription or nonprescription medicine?
• Are you giving your child any new herbal remedies or vitamins?
• Has your child been under any added stress recently?
• Does your child have any health risks?

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 3, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.