Constipation

Constipation is a huge issue for people with SLOS due to the low muscle tone and slow motility of the GI tract. If the person seems to have an extreme case of constant constipation, they should be checked for Hirshprungs (absence of nerves in the Colon). If Hirshprungs is the cause, surgery can help.

If Hirshprungs is not a factor, there are many things that may help.

Food sources are often the first line of attack. The most important of these being hydration by giving lots of fluids. Many parents find that giving warm water to their children in addition to other fluids help, however many SLOS kids have problems with volume and reflux, so trial and error may be required to find the right combination. Other food sources that help are:

• Prune juice
• Apple/Prune Juice
• Pear Juice
• Prunes and Pears
• Chamomille Tea
• Dark Karo syrup
• Cheerios
• Fruits and Veggies
• Oatmeal cereal is more soluble than Rice cereal
• Novartis formulas are now putting benefiber in their formulas

If food does not seem to do the trick, then maybe some over the counter or prescription medication may help.

• Senokot
• Milk of Magnesia - magnesium is a muscle relaxant and too much is not good.
• Mylanta - known to cause diarrhea
• Maalox - known to cause constipation
• Miralax, Glycolax or Polyethelene Glycol - only by prescription
• Fibercon
• Unifiber
• Benefiber
• Colace - stool softener
• Glycol Electrolyte Solution
• Maltsupex
• Magnesium Citrate
• Dulcolax
• Lactulose
• Aloe vera - buy the juice and mix it in liquids

If that fails, then suppositories or enemas may be needed. If the child is potty trained and cannot touch the floor, using a stepstool will help with their ability to push while toileting.