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Q: My teenage daughter has severe constipation for weeks and even a suppository didn't work. What should we do?

  • Myeongchan Kim
  • 6 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD


This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.


Question:

My teenage daughter is experiencing severe constipation. Her normal routine is going to the bathroom once every three days, but for the past few weeks, she has only been able to pass a few small, hard, rabbit-like pellets. We tried increasing her water intake, giving her probiotics, and having her eat prunes for several days, but there has been no improvement. Today, we tried using a suppository for the first time. Oddly, even after inserting it, she didn't feel the urge to go. She went to the bathroom about 30 minutes later, but again, only a few small pellets came out. I am very worried because I thought a suppository was the last resort. Since it didn't work, what should we do next?


Answer:

It is completely understandable to be very worried when severe constipation lasts for several weeks and at-home remedies do not seem to be working.


First, for some reassurance: the fact that she passed even a small amount 30 minutes after using the suppository indicates that the lowest part of her rectum is responding. Her bowels are not completely blocked. However, when hard stool accumulates over several weeks, the rectum can stretch out. This stretching significantly reduces the natural urge to have a bowel movement. A single suppository only works on the lowest part of the colon and often isn't enough to soften or clear out the hardened stool backed up higher in the digestive tract.


Constipation in teenagers is often multifactorial, involving diet, hydration, physical activity, stress, and habits of withholding stool. It typically requires a step-by-step approach to resolve fully.


What you can do at home right now:

  1. Hydration Goal: Ensure she is drinking at least 1.5 to 2 liters (about 8 to 10 glasses) of water a day, spread out between meals.

  2. Increase Dietary Fiber: Include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in every meal. In addition to prunes, kiwis, pears, and apples are excellent choices.

  3. Establish a Bathroom Routine: Have her sit on the toilet for 10 minutes about 20 to 30 minutes after breakfast every day, even if she doesn't feel the urge to go. Use a footstool so her knees are elevated higher than her hips, which aligns the colon properly for passing stool.

  4. Physical Activity: Encourage at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, such as walking or climbing stairs, to help stimulate bowel motility.

  5. Suppository Use: Check the product instructions; you can generally try 1 or 2 more times at 24-hour intervals. However, if there is still no significant effect, she will likely need an oral laxative.


When to seek immediate medical attention:

Please take her to see a doctor today if she experiences any of the following:

  • Severe abdominal pain or a hard, swollen abdomen.

  • Repeated vomiting or an inability to eat.

  • Severe pain or significant bleeding around the anus.

  • Unexplained weight loss, fever, or visible blood in the stool.


Actionable Guidance:

If she does not have any of the severe symptoms listed above, reinforce the lifestyle and dietary habits mentioned and observe her for another 24 hours. If there is still no significant bowel movement, please schedule an appointment with a pediatrician or general practitioner. A doctor can perform a proper abdominal exam or order an X-ray to assess the extent of the stool buildup. They can also safely prescribe an effective daily oral laxative (such as Polyethylene Glycol or Lactulose) to help clear out the accumulated stool and get her system back on track.


For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.






 
 
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