Page 47 - GreenBook

The following can be signs of constipation:
• Hard and compact stools, sometimes formed like marbles.
• Hard formed stools which are painful to pass.
• Episodes of abdominal pain relieved after having a large formed bowel

*1 movement.
• Blood on the outside of the stool.

• Encopresis, which is soiling of underpants or diaper with liquid stool

between bowel movements.

Breastfed babies rarely have constipation although their bowel movements may
be infrequent after 4-6 weeks of age. Some formula fed babies may require a
loosening agent in the formula. If they are passing hard stools regularly we
m suggest that you use Karo Syrup or molasses that can be purchased in the
grocery store. Begin with light Karo Syrup putting 1 tsp in everv other 4 ounces
of formula. (Keep in mind the fact that it may take a day or so to see any results.)
If that is not effective add 1 tsp to everv 4 ounces of formula. If the stools are
still not softer progress to dark Karo syrup and if necessary molasses. The
length of time that you will need to add karo syrup will depend on the hardness
of the stools. Once your infant's stools seem softer try cutting back on the
amount of Karo Syrup that you are using. A high fiber diet is recommended for
PHI all children once solid foods are begun.

For toddlers age appropriate fresh fruits and vegetables, prunes and whole grain
breads are excellent sources of fiber. For older children, bran containing cereals

pp, can be helpful. Make sure your child is drinking an adequate amountoffluids.

Certain foods may tend to bind or constipate your child. These are the ABC
foods: applesauce, bananas, cereals (especially rice cereal), though your child
may do perfectly well with them. The "P" fruits tend to be laxative in nature and
can be used to help with constipation: peaches, pears, plums, prunes, and yes

aPricots.

^ J. Cough

Coughing is the body's natural way of removing secretions that accumulate in
the upper airway.

The most common types of coughs are:
1. Dry Hackina Couch - This cough usually follows a cold. Encouraging a

good fluid intake and using a humidifier may help loosen up the dry and
productive types of coughs. Don't add medication to the water in the
humidifier because it irritates the cough in some children. Cough medicines
containing dextromethorphan (DM) may help. Cough drops in children 5
years and older and warm liquids (hot cider, tea etc.) may help.

2. CrouDV Couch - See K. Croup below.

3. Productive Cough - Most children will swallow rather than cough up mucous.
If you can get your child to spit out the mucous and it is clear to off white
you can wait 2-3 days to see if mucous production lessens. Most of the
time the mucous is due to a post nasal drip and may improve with a

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