Suppositories

Suppositories should only be used in the event of failure of gentler measures against constipation in babies. They are available both on a purely plant-based and on an active ingredient basis. The active principle is however alike with both.

A suppository is inserted rectally a few centimeters into the rectum to act locally.By releasing its ingredients, it leads to softening of the stool in the rectum, thus enabling easier defecation. Vegetable suppositories with caraway achieve this effect through their essential oils. Suppositories containing active ingredients with glycine achieve this by binding water in the rectum.

If suppositories containing minerals are used, they gradually lead to a release of carbon dioxide. The harmless gas also leads to a sensitization of stretch receptors in the rectum, which initiate defecation. In most cases, however, it is the mechanical irritation during the insertion of the suppository that releases a constipation.

In fact, babies often tense up in the context of constipation for fear of a painful defecation with very hard stool. If the tension is briefly interrupted by the sphincter, defecation is thus initiated in most cases. The lubricants contained in the suppositories additionally ensure a painless bowel movement. The hard stool glides well past the mucous membrane due to the fatty ingredients. Small tears in the mucosa are avoided and the baby can quickly resume regular, relaxed bowel movements after a few positive experiences.

Lactose

Lactose is very popular among doctors for treating constipation. It is also taken in a natural way by the body with food and is therefore very well tolerated. Lactose helps against constipation by drawing fluid into the intestinal loops.

In higher doses it cannot be completely broken down and therefore remains in the intestinal lumen. Fluid enters the intestinal lumen reactively to balance the difference in concentration between the lumen and the concentration in the blood. As an effect, the stool becomes softer and the peristalsis is stimulated. The only danger is that the baby will lose too much fluid. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the baby drinks enough.