When will I start seeing results?

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How we treat constipation

There are two stages of treatment.

If the poo is really stuck your doctor will want to get it out. Doctors call this disimpaction.

Then, you have to keep using the medicine to make sure that the constipation doesn’t start again. You will also have to help your child to eat well, make sure they drink and exercise. Doctors call this maintenance.

Disimpaction Maintenance

It may take time to come off the medicine completely, but the treatment will make it easier for you and your child to manage the constipation at home.

By giving medicine every day and following the treatment (with liquids, the right foods and exercise), the poo stays soft and easy to pass.

More comfortable poos mean the child will not hold on to the poo:

  • Frequent poos: anywhere between once per day to 3 times per week. This will return some control to your child (and you!).
  • No more huge and painful poos.
  • No more accidents!
  • The sensation of needing to go for a poo will come back.

Dr Pritchard explains in 2 minutes:

How long do children need to take this medicine?

If the bowel is stretched, it will need time to return to its normal size and elasticity.

Depending on the case, this may be months or years.

When will my child come off the medicine completely?

Your doctor will tell you when to gradually lower the medicine dose until stopping completely.

A good sign that doctors look for is when the child is going for a poo regularly and comfortably for about three or four months.