Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements occur less frequently than usual or stools tend to be hard, dry and difficult and painful to pass. Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements occur less frequently than usual or stools tend to be hard, dry, and difficult and painful to pass. ? Children often develop constipation as a result of stool withholding.

 

Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements occur less frequently than usual or stools tend to be hard, dry and difficult and painful to pass.

Signs and symptoms of constipation

• No bowel movements for several days

• Bowel movements that are hard, dry and difficult to pass

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea, vomiting or weight loss

• Traces of liquid or clay-like stool in the child's underwear — a sign that stool is backed up in the rectum

• Bright red blood on the surface of hard stool.

Causes of constipation

• Early toilet training.

• Low fiber diet? Intake of too many processed foods may lead to constipation. Intake of few finer rich foods like fruits and vegetables.

• The most prominent cause for constipation in children is holding back bowel motions. They have to do this often in their school hours.

• Changes of climate and diet, especially when traveling or on a holiday can cause constipation.

• Children also eat a lot of wrong foods. Foods that are too oily and spicy - typically those that are classified as junk foods' - can cause constipation in children.

• Some infections in the alimentary tract can commonly occur in children. This can cause constipation.

• Lack of physical activity: Inactivity can cause constipation.

• Medications like cold medicines, antacids, antidepressants and other drugs can cause constipation.

Prevention of constipation

• Make the child to drink plenty of water.

• Five high fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains like oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, green leaves.

• Regular exercises like riding cycle.

Seek medical help if the constipation is accompanied by

• Fever.

• Vomiting.

• Blood in the stool.

• A swollen abdomen.

• Weight loss.

• Painful cracks in the skin around the anus, called anal fissures.

• Intestine coming out of the anus, called rectal prolapsed.

Treatment of constipation

• Changing the diet.

• Laxatives.

• Adoption of health bowel habits.

• Intake of high fiber diet.

Points to Remember

• Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements occur less frequently than usual or stools tend to be hard, dry, and difficult and painful to pass.

• Children often develop constipation as a result of stool withholding.

• A child with constipation should see a doctor if symptoms last for more than 2 weeks.

• A child should also see a doctor if constipation is accompanied by symptoms that may indicate a more serious health problem.

• Constipation is treated by changing diet, taking laxatives, and adopting healthy bowel habits.