Constipation in children, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment – Agrawal Gastrocare Center Indore

Constipation in Children

Constipation is a common issue among children. A child who is constipated has irregular bowel motions or firm, dry stool. Early toilet training and dietary changes are two common explanations.

Fortunately, most occurrences of children’s constipation are only temporary. Simple dietary modifications, such as eating more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and drinking more water, may go a long way toward relieving constipation. When your child’s doctor agrees, laxatives may be used to treat constipation in children.

Constipation in children is normally not a major problem, but chronic constipation can lead to difficulties or indicate an illness.

Causes of Constipation in Children

Some causes of constipation in children can include.

• a diet low in fiber and fluids
• Dehydration
•  side effects of certain medications
• not enough physical activity
•  toilet training issues
• Foods like processed foods, cheese, bananas, and rice can cause constipation in children.
• Children who have constipated members of the family are more prone to acquire constipation themselves.

Symptoms of Constipation in Children

Constipation in children can appear as the following signs and symptoms:

• Having less than three bowel motions per week.
• Hard, dry, and difficult to pass bowel motions.
• Pain during a bowel movement.
• stomach ache.
• Traces of liquid or pasty stool in your child’s underwear – an indication of rectum obstruction.
• Hard stool with blood on the surface.

Treatment of Constipation in Children

Every child is different and the best treatment for constipation will depend on the individual’s age, health, and lifestyle.

• Dietary changes are often the first step in treating constipation. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and drinking plenty of water can help to alleviate the problem.
• Doctors may suggest some medicines to relieve the symptoms of this problem.
• Your child should consume at least one liter of water per day so that he/she gets dehydrated.

Dr. Amit Agarwal
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Agarwal Gastrocare Center Indore