Dr Phil Kieran: Is my daughter’s constipation due to stress or diet?

"I separate children’s constipation into two categories: Recent onset (less than four to six weeks) and longer-term (more than six to eight weeks). This helps me determine the care plan I recommend."

Pic: iStock

My 10-year-old has constipation. It’s probably tension-related, as she recently had an argument with a friend at school, and they are not talking. Should I give her an OTC medicine or encourage her to drink water?

Constipation is characterised by passing stool infrequently (over three times per week), passing hard stools, a feeling of not emptying the bowel, or pain/excessive straining on passing stool.