What Is Constipation In Children?

Constipation is a broad term that is not easy to define. The definition of "constipation in children" is different from that of "constipation in adults". Constipation in children is defined as "a condition in which a child has less than two bowel movements in a week", or "passing stools that are difficult to excrete — hard, small, or painful".

It is hence necessary for the primary caregiver of the child to make sure that he or she has no difficulty in passing stools.

What Is 'Constipation In Children'?

The child suffering from constipation usually feels bloated and may also experience abdominal pain. Constipation does not only include difficulty in passing stools but it also includes incomplete defecation. If the child is not be able to push the whole fecal matter out of his body, this condition will also be considered to be constipation.

The Digestive System And Its Mechanism

The digestive system is a combination of different organs and mechanisms. The Gastrointestinal tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. All parts of the digestive tract function in coordination with each other in order to achieve their required purpose.

Such types of movements enable the gut to move in a wave-like pattern that causes digested food to be propelled anal-ward and ultimately excreted out of the body. Abnormal activities in any part of the digestive tract can cause abnormal peristaltic movements, resulting in decreased bowel movements, which in turn cause constipation.

The large intestine, commonly referred to as the colon, reabsorbs water and nutrients from the waste matter which are used by the body as fuel. In some cases, the intestine may reabsorb a lot of fluid from the fecal matter, which causes hardening of stools.

Is Constipation Very Common?

Constipation in children is quite common.

It has also been noticed that many parents or caregivers are unaware that their child is suffering from constipation. This is because they are unaware of the definition, signs and symptoms of constipation.

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What Conditions May Cause Constipation In Children?

One of the most common causes of constipation in children is decreased water intake. If a child is not taking enough water, the consistency of the stools hardens, thus making the process of defecation both painful and long. However, decreased water intake is the easiest to treat as well as the most common. Some other conditions that cause constipation in children include:

• Low-fiber diet – fiber helps increase the bulk of the feces (fecal weight) and makes stools softer. Foods which are low in fiber cause a decrease in peristaltic movements, which in turn causes constipation.
• Withholding – children sometimes ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. This may be due to a fear of toilet or the child may not want to take a break from play.
• Routine changes – travel, stress, or hot weather.
• Cow’s milk
• Medication
• Medical conditions

Constipation In Children: Treatment And Prevention

Before you begin treatment, you must be sure that your child really is suffering from constipation. For that, it is necessary to be aware of the pertinent signs and symptoms of constipation in children.

Signs of Constipation in Children

The signs of constipation may not be the same in every child.

Parents or caregivers must notice any change in the child’s playing routine or eating habits. Listed below are some signs that point towards constipation.

• Child holding or pressing his abdomen repeatedly – children usually can’t tell if they are suffering from abdominal pain. If you notice that your child is frequently holding his abdomen, this could be because of abdominal pain. Children cry in case of moderate to severe pain. In mild cases, the child may not cry at all.
• Leaking urine or urinary incontinence – the presence of excess waste matter in the rectum may press the urinary bladder which can result in leaking of urine unintentionally.
• Certain postures – postures like standing on tiptoes, clenching muscles of buttocks, or unusual behaviors indicate constipation.
• Feces in child’s pants

When Should You See A Doctor?

Constipation in children is very common and can easily be treated at home as well. However, there are some conditions that require a doctor’s attention. You should visit your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms in your child:

• Swollen abdomen
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Constipation for more than 48 hours

Treating Constipation In Children

There are three major ways of treating constipation in children. Nevertheless, it should be kept in mind that the treatment of constipation in children is highly dependent on its cause.

Changes in eating, diet, and nutrition

First of all you must make sure that your child is taking enough fluids in accordance to his body requirements. There is no specific amount of water declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), but three to four glasses of water are adequate for a school going child.

Besides fluids, foods that are rich in fiber play an important role in relieving constipation. These include whole-grain bread, fresh vegetables and fruits, beans, and oats. 

Behavioral changes

Try to encourage your child to pass stools shortly after meals. This helps promote regular and less problematic bowel movements. If a child is in the process of being toilet trained, it is a good idea to give him or her a break from training.

Medication

Drugs are not used as a first line treatment for constipation in children. Doctors only consider tablets or syrups if the condition is not relieved with dietary and behavioral changes. There are a few conditions, such as intestinal obstruction, where doctors begin the treatment with laxatives or even enema.

Preventing Constipation Is Easy

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Here are some common ways that can help prevent constipation in children:

• Giving adequate amounts of water and fluids to the child.
• Giving extra liquids in hot weather.
• Giving your child enough time in the toilet so that he can produce a satisfactory and complete bowel movement.
• Letting your child play active games that enhance bowel activity.
• Making sure that your child is not spending too much time playing video games or using the cell phone.
• Eliminating fear of the toilet.