Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments For Constipation In Children

If you start having fewer bowel movements than before, or your stools become hard to pass, there is a chance that you are suffering from constipation. The condition can be very bothersome and it can cause problems to people of all ages, including children as well.

There are many reasons why children may be afflicted by constipation. Some of the most typical ones include embarrassment to visit toilet when needed, stress when learning to use pot, unwillingness to suspend some interesting play, and pain that may be caused by bowel movements.

If a child delays his or her bowel movements it causes stool to get dry and harder. This can make future bowel movements rather painful. Sometimes this can cause even a blockage in the colon or rectum.

Behind such an impaction, stool builds up and may all of a sudden seep out staining the inner wear of the child. Some parents mistakenly think that this kind of staining is a diarrhea sign while it is not.

Other causes of constipation in kids include low fiber diet, specific drugs or medications i.e. opiates, antacids and antidepressants, anatomic abnormalities and particular diseases such as diabetes and Down syndrome.

Signs

- Fewer bowel movements than normally

- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen

- Poor appetite

- Resistance to toilet training or avoiding the toilet as much as possible

- Blood stains on the toilet paper after a toilet visit

- Stools that are hard and dry

- Painful bowel movements

- Stool spots in the underwear

- Characteristic postures by the child that point towards withholding of stool, for example, scrunching of the buttocks muscles or tip-toeing and then crossing the backs of the heels or any other unusual movement or behavior.

Remedies

There are many methods and tricks how constipation in children can be treated. However, it is important to keep in mind that the most appropriate treatment has to be planned according to every specific case. Here are some possible treatment options:

Pharmaceutical

Laxatives are one option to treat constipation. However, it is important to use laxatives in children only when a doctor prescribes them.

Eating Plan

Make sure that your child drinks enough water, juice or some other liquid. Also, in order to get enough fiber, include to his or her diet plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, and other high fiber foods. Adjusting your child's diet is one of the best natural remedies for constipation.

Improving the Function of Bowel

The child should be trained to relieve himself or herself every time he or she has a bowel movement urge. The child can be trained to spend at least ten minutes in the toilet every day after a particular meal. The child should be made comfortable while sitting on the bowl of the toilet with the legs firmly resting on the ground and then he or she should be made to relax completely.

Rewarding

Admire and reward your child once he or she has successfully completed a bowel movement.

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