Tips On Relieving Constipation

Constipation is a common problem in children. It occurs in up to 10%, although only 3% of parents actually seek advice from the doctor. Constipation is generally described as the infrequent passage of stools (bowel movements) or the passage of hard stools. Any definition of constipation depends on how often the child normally passes stools and the normal consistency of his or her stools. For some children, it may be normal to pass stools as far apart as every few days. But you should treat hard stools that are difficult to pass and those that happen only every 3 days as constipation.

Symptoms of Constipation In Children

It may be evident your child is constipated if they :

• Complain about stomach pains.
• Have no bowel movement for several days.
• Experience difficulty in bowel movements.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Weight loss.
• Liquid or solid, clay-like stool in the child’s underwear – a sign that stool is backed up in the rectum.

What causes Constipation In children?

When a child does not eat enough fiber, drink enough liquids, or get enough exercise, constipation is more likely to occur. It also happens when children ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, which they often do out of embarrassment to use a public bathroom, fear or lack of confidence in the absence of a parent, or unwillingness to take a break from play. Sometimes constipation is caused by medicines or a disease.

For children constipation is not uncommon nor is it wholly unexpected. Children are usually so active they seldom stop to eat the right foods or drink enough water. In most cases, constipation lasts only a day or two and has no lasting harmful effects on the child. However, even a day or two of being constipated is an unpleasant experience regardless of age.

In a small number of children, constipation may be the result of physical problems. Children with such defects as the absence of normal nerve endings in portions of the bowel, abnormalities of the spinal cord, thyroid deficiency, mental retardation, and certain other inherited metabolic disorders often suffer symptoms of constipation.

Constipation in children, however, usually is due to poor bowel habits. Studies show that many children who suffer from constipation when they are older have a history of passing stools that are firmer than average in their early weeks of life. Because this occurs before there are significant variations in diet, habits, or attitudes, it suggests that many children who develop constipation have a normal tendency to have firmer stools. Such children suffer little from the tendency unless it is aggravated by poor bowel habits or poor diet.

Some kids get constipated because of a condition called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can occur when they’re stressed or eat certain trigger foods, which often are fatty or spicy. A child with IBS may have either constipation or diarrhea, as well as stomach pain and gas.