Expert: David Olson, MD - 11/5/2009

Question
I read your answer to a question about a 2year old holding bowel movements - lots of good information - My particular situation is I have a 5 1/2 year old daughter who is experiencing the same thing - she goes for extended periods of time with no issues and then she starts to hold her BM's which leads her to soiling her panties - I did give her a laxative last night and again this morning - she says she wants to go, but doesn't because she is afraid it will hurt - how often can I give her the laxative and for how many days in a row/weeks in a row? I am worried about her getting "addicted" - Thank you for your time

Answer
Hi, Renee,

She has encopresis, a leaking of stools associated with constipation.  

She needs to be completely cleaned out with a product like Miralax for a couple of days.  

She then needs to have her stools softened with a smaller dose of Miralax daily for 2-3 months to get her bowels and the nerves and muscles that control things back in order.

She needs to be instructed to try to have a BM after every meal, to re-establish new normal bowel habits.

Your pediatrician should be able to have her on a good regimen like above, tailored to her weight and other needs.  See him/her about this and get it solved.

You can't get addicted to a product like Miralax.

Good luck, Dr. Olson