Constipation

Children with constipation may experience hard, dry stools that are difficult or painful to pass. Though an uncomfortable condition, it typically does not last too long and is quite common in children as their diets change. Persistent and severe constipation, however, is not normal and should be evaluated by your child’s paediatrician.

Why is your child constipated?

Constipation is very common, and its cause can be related to multiple factors. Constipation is common in infants starting to wean onto a solid diet, the change from exclusive breastfeeding to semi-solid food will cause a change in stool consistency and smell.

Constipation is common in toddlers switching from formula to whole milk and can be exacerbated by a low-fibre or liquid-deficient diet. Together with hard and infrequent stools, children may complain of abdominal pain and have a poor appetite. Certain medications can cause constipation as well. Anxiety can also play a role, and your child may be holding their bowel movements in due to fear or worry, particularly when they are potty training.

Symptoms to look out for

Constipation in children can present the following symptoms:

• Bowel movements that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass
• less than three bowel movements each week
• Having a bowel movement causes pain
• Abdominal pains
• Soiling
• Blood in the stool
• Bloating

When very severe symptoms, there is faecal loading. Though it may seem puzzling, diarrhoea can also occur when your child is constipated. This happens when large, hard stool becomes stuck and liquid stool passes around it. This must always be dealt with first and then commence on maintenance therapy.

How we treat constipation

Treatment is determined by age and severity of symptoms. It’s important to always have the child examined for any cause of the constipation. Dr Vahed will most likely ask you about your child’s diet and eating habits as well. Treatment may involve diet changes, stool softeners, enemas and discontinuing or changing medication that could be causing constipation as a side effect.

Treatment is long-term and requires patience and effective toilet habits and dietary changes.How we treat constipation