4year old with large bloated stomach and daily stomach pains

[Skyandphoenix]

My 4 year old daughter has a permanently bloated stomach and constantly complains of "sore poos" (Hard constipated and large)and also pain in her stomach - usually on the left side. She still functions normally and has a nomal appetite but she mentions these symptoms every day without fail. What could be wrong with her?

[AnnieBrooke]

I also sent you a private message with a reference to a good article about encopresis.  Hope the pediatrician helps a lot!

[margypops]

Good she is going every day I can imagine it must have been uncomfortable for her., did you adjust her eating so she is getting more fibre? We give our opinions here and that was mine .I was responding to your question the way I saw fit not how someone else thought I should respond,

[Skyandphoenix]

Thank you so much for all your advice. She did have a problem of holding her poos for 5 days (about 18 months ago) or so and by the time she finally passed them it was like giving birth - the pain and tears and shear size of the stool was almost too much to watch. One day she finally understood that if she went every day it wouldnt be a problem. So now she does pass every day but its still sore and her stomach is similar to those Ethiopian children you see on the world vision ads... so bloated. I have decided to see the Doctor ASAP and ask if they can give her an enema and I also am giving her parachoc every day to help soften... will do this on a long term basis.
I very much appreciate everyone's time to help me with this situation. All comments have been noted!!

[margypops]

Iagree it sounds like constipation try the childrens probiotics they have out now , they work quite well, bulk is also what she may need, will she eat cereal each morning, with some fruit .orange juice can works wonders aswell.

[mamawith2girls]

You should discuss with the pediatrician ways to keep her stool soft and easy to pass. It does sound like she is constipated, and the best way to manage that is diet, however, that's easier said than done with a 4 year old. Lots and lots of fluid, and probiotics can help. A child can be constipated and still have a bowel movement every day, especially if she's backed up, and it sounds like she is, given the stomach bloating. Constipation can be painful, best to see the doctor. Good luck!

[AnnieBrooke]

Encopresis, probably.  See the pediatrician, sooner rather than later.