Parents and caregivers should talk with a doctor before giving a child constipation medication. Some of these drugs contain ingredients that may not be safe for children and babies. A low-fiber diet is one of the top constipation culprits. An OTC fiber supplement works by adding some extra volume to your stool, helping things move through your intestines and out the other side. A few common fiber supplements include: Bleeding in your esophagus is an emergency that needs treatment in a hospital. The treatment usually involves getting medicine through an IV to lower the pressure in the veins or a procedure called an endoscopy to tie off the veins to stop the bleeding.

You can also try digestive enzyme supplements. These enzymes are designed to help your body break down starches, fats, and proteins for better digestion and normal stool. If this is commonly what you see in the toilet—and you aren’t suffering from another illness that comes with this side effect—you may have a gastrointestinal condition called chronic idiopathic constipation, or CIC. Drinking more water, making exercise part of your daily routine, and slowly adding more fiber to your diet are all things that can help you poop fast 2. Sausage-shaped but lumpy Take over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate). Avoiding punishments: People should avoid getting angry or punishing a child for toileting accidents. Constipation is not the child’s fault, and scolding the child will only increase their anxiety about toileting, potentially making constipation worse.Diet: If a person does not consume enough fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, it may lead to constipation. This is because fiber promotes the movement of food through the digestive tract and absorbs water to soften stool. Food sensitivities and a high intake of sugary foods may also cause constipation. Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, for example, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can harm the liver. When a person has liver or biliary problems, bilirubin is unable to pass in the stool. This causes the stool to lose its color, giving it a more pale or clay-colored appearance. Everybody has their own stool consistency that’s considered “normal” for them. But, in general, a type 3 or 4 is best, Dr. Stein says. “Four is kind of a soft serve consistency,” she explains. “It’s easy to pass and smooth. That’s considered ideal.” If you’re experiencing a stool type outside of the “normal” range, you might consider taking action to improve your digestive or bowel health.

This symptom is harmless. It should go away once you stop taking the medicine. Call your doctor and stop taking it if you: A problem with any or several of these digestive processes can cause hard stool. Medications that cause hard stools A 2015 study found participants who used perineal self-acupressure reported better bowel function and less constipation. While the research on the effect of perineal massages on constipation remains inconclusive, it’s a low-risk method that might lend some much-needed relief.

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This is considered to be a slightly loose stool, but it’s fairly common for folks who have bowel movements two or three times a day, typically after eating a main meal, UnityPoint Health medical experts say. (If this is normal for you, and it’s soft and passes comfortably, consider it A-OK.) 6. Fuzzy or fluffy pieces with ragged edges Different causes may lead to foul-smelling stools and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Dietary habits Without treatment, gallstones can cause problems with other organs, such as the pancreas and liver.