Constipation in Kids: A Research-Based Guide for Parents
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 22, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 22, 2024Table of Contents
With constipation being common in children, it’s often missed or not given much thought. However, parents need to grasp the issue at hand. By doing so, they may avoid long-term struggles for their child. This article brings you research-backed advice to understand and deal with constipation in children.
The article delves into symptoms, causes, and risk factors linked to constipation in kids. We’re providing an overview of different methods to avoid and manage it. This includes home remedies, medical options, and other kinds of remedies. Plus, we’ll share some tips on how to get ready for a doctor’s visit. We’ll also answer some typical queries parents often have about their child’s gut health.
Did you know?
Constipation refers to going to the bathroom less often than usual. It’s typically less than three times a week. If your child is constipated, they might find it hard to pass dry and hard stools. This can lead to discomfort or even pain. Despite causing discomfort, most cases are temporary and can be fixed. Dietary changes, more exercise, and good toilet habits may help a lot here.
Even though adults and kids display similar symptoms when constipated, there are some differences. In children, constipation can occur due to early toilet training, diet changes, withholding, and certain medical conditions. Knowing these triggers may help parents manage their child’s condition better.
The signs of constipation can change with the child’s age. Here are some usual symptoms.
Several factors can cause constipation in kids. Some of them are as following.
Fiber and fluid help to form soft stools. So, low intake of these can lead to hard, dry stool, causing constipation. This is common when kids shift from a liquid-only diet to foods that are solid.
A lack of exercise can affect bowel movements leading to constipation in children.
Stress or worry tied to changes in life can impact bowel functions, leading to constipation.
In some rare cases, medical problems might be causing constipation. These might include irritable bowel syndrome, Hirschsprung’s disease, hypothyroidism, or cystic fibrosis.
Certain risk factors may make a child more prone to constipation. They are as follows.
Kids with a family history of constipation are more likely to experience it, possibly due to common genes or environment.
Young kids who are making the switch to solid foods are more prone to constipation. The same applies to children in the process of toilet training.
Changes in their regular schedule, diet, or exercise can cause constipation in children.
In my experience, toddlers frequently get constipation as a result of holding their poop. This consequently absorbs too much fluid in their colon, which makes their excrement dry and difficult to move. Young children may repress their stools because of a desire to continue doing whatever it is they’re doing, like playing, feel ashamed to use restrooms in public, are concerned that it will hurt to poop, are anxious about using the loo for the first time, aren’t developmentally prepared to use the toilet.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
If ignored, constipation can lead to issues described below.:
Chronic constipation can cause hurtful anal tears, stool withholding, rectal protrusion, and involuntary soiling of clothes with backed-up stools.
Untreated constipation could harm a child’s self-esteem, performance at school, and social life.
To avoid constipation in kids, you may try the following.
Provide fiber-rich foods such as fruits, veggies, beans, and whole-grain cereals or bread. Increase fiber gradually, but make sure they’re drinking plenty of fluids.
Promote daily exercise to help stimulate the bowel movement.
Have a regular schedule for toilet visits, especially after meals. Tell your child not to suppress the urge to pass stool.
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Some simple at-home solutions may help ease your child’s constipation. They are as follows.
Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water and fluids. This helps to keep stools soft and promotes easy bowel movements.
Give them fiber-rich options like apples, pears, beans, oats, and whole-grain breakfast cereals or breads.
Prune, apple, or pear juice may be beneficial in relieving constipation in kids who are over six months old.
Encourage regular play or exercise to help maintain normal bowel movements.
In my opinion, when a toddler is constipated, they should avoid meals that have little to no fibre, like ice cream, bananas, rice, fast food, chips, foods that have been processed, and large quantities of whole milk.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
You should talk to your child’s doctor if the constipation lasts for more than two weeks or, if it’s accompanied by fever, weight loss, a bloated stomach, blood in the stools, or rectal protrusion.
Doctors use several ways to find the root cause of constipation in children. They might take a detailed history, conduct a physical examination, or order tests like an abdominal X-ray, anorectal manometry, barium enema X-ray, transit study, or rectal biopsy.
Your healthcare provider may suggest medical management options to help address your child’s constipation.
Laxatives such as polyethylene glycol may help get rid of the blockage. It also softens the stool, making it easier to pass.
Stool softeners like mineral oil may also make it easier to have a bowel movement by softening the stool.
Enemas, usually used as a last resort, involve fluid put into the rectum to help loosen stools and motivate bowel movement.
Other therapies may also help manage constipation in kids. They are as follows.
Gently massaging the stomach may relax the muscles in the belly and intestines, hence, promoting bowel movement.
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese practice, may help relieve stomach pain tied to constipation.
Certain herbal aids may help with constipation. But always ask your child’s healthcare provider before using any herbal products.
Before the visit, make a note of any symptoms, changes in bowel habits, diet, and physical activity. Write down any medicines your child is on. Also, mention any family history of constipation or related issues.
At the clinic, your healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and take a detailed history. They’ll do a physical examination. They might recommend tests to get to the root of the constipation issue. Finally, they may suggest medical options, recommend changes in lifestyle, or explore different management options.
Constipation in children is a common issue. It can lead to discomfort for them and cause worry for their loved ones. Knowledge is power. With the right insights, parents may spot symptoms, know the risks, and address the causes to ensure a healthy lifestyle for the child. A balanced diet, physical activity, and good bathroom habits may help avert constipation. Medical help and other management options can be sought for severe or ongoing cases.
The signs include fewer trips to the toilet, hard and dry stools, discomfort and pain while passing stools, wet spots in underwear from backed-up stool, and avoiding the toilet.
The frequency changes for each child. But generally, if a child hasn’t passed stools for more than three days, it’s considered constipation.
Laxatives can cause some side effects like bloating, gas, loose stools, belly cramps, or feeling sick. Always check with a healthcare provider before giving your child a laxative.
If not treated on time, constipation can lead to problems like anal tears, rectal prolapse, withholding of stool, and soiling of underwear. It can also affect a child’s emotions and social interactions.
To motivate your child to drink more water, present it in fun cups or with bright straws. Also, if their more physically active they will naturally feel thirsty and drink more water.
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