Constipation

Saw a child with constipation today. Was suffering with very hard painful stools. Parents were reluctant to give her laxatives (irrational fear of dependence). After some education, she is well maintained on decent amounts of Movicol (Available in Chocolate flavour as well). After few months their requirement of laxatives goes down. I haven’t seen any children requiring laxative lifelong! Plenty of water and high fibre diet also helps. NICE has got good guidelines on management of Constipation in children.