Constipation in Children

Constipation:

It is difficult to define constipation since the frequency of passing
a bowel movement (stool) is different for every child. In general,
constipation is a situation where it is difficult or painful to pass
the stool, or the bowel movements come infrequently and are very hard,
like rocks.

In babies, a large bowel movement, or slightly hard stool is not
considered constipation. The passage of a bowel movement in babies may involve crying,
straining or holding onto their legs, but as long as the stool is soft and
happens everyday, this is normal and does not require treatment. (The
crying comes from the new feeling of stool transit).

The most common risk factors for constipation are: family history of
constipation, cow’s milk allergy and possibly a diet low in fiber.
Usually, constipation starts with one severe attack, then the child
refuses to pass a bowel movement, the stool become dry and hard in the
bowel, which causes further difficulty passing the stool. Also,
delayed weaning of diapers (toilet training), may lead to
constipation.

To treat constipation, the child’s diet needs to be changed. To
babies, you can give a spoonful of natural prune juice, twice a day.
Babies from 4 months old can be given mashed fruit including peach,
pear, pea or spinach, twice a day.

For children over 1 year, it is necessary to limit the amount of milk
products (especially cow’s milk or chocolate milk) and eat more fruit
and vegetables (3 times per day), preferably not cooked fruit. You can
give dates, plums, figs, broccoli and cabbage. Using whole wheat flour
and products without white flour can also be helpful. After a meal,
your child should drink water or juice, even when the stool is normal.
It is important to avoid giving too many eggs to children to eat.

At the time of toilet training, you should encourage the child to try go to the
toilet 10 minutes after a meal. With children, a reminder and a
regular time to try go to the toilet will help them. Don’t force
toilet training on a child who is resisting it.

If all this does not help with the constipation, it can be helpful to
use a stool softening medicine, such as paraffin oil, Peglax, Avilac
or other brands. If the medicine does not help, go see your doctor for
advice.

Until you have complete resolution of the constipation, you can help
relieve the pain in the anus by taking a lukewarm bath. In addition,
you can use a glycerine suppository. If the pain continues, it may be
helpful to have an enema at your clinic.