Constipation in children is a common and often encountered problem during child-rearing. If this condition persists, it can affect both the health and psychology of the child if not promptly addressed by parents. So, what are the signs of constipation in children, what causes this condition, and what are the solutions? Let’s explore these questions in this article by CentiUP!
1. Signs of Constipation in Children That Parents Should Watch For
The signs of constipation in children are usually easy to recognize. Parents should pay special attention to the following three characteristic signs to avoid confusing constipation in chidren with other physiological conditions:
- For bottle-fed infants, they may not have a bowel movement for three days; for exclusively breastfed infants, they may not pass stools for up to a week. Newborns might show signs of straining, with a reddened face, when trying to defecate.
- Children pass hard, lumpy stools that are larger than normal. Some children may feel scared when having a bowel movement.
- When defecating, the child may show signs of distress and crying.
According to the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) criteria in 2010, a person is considered to have constipation if they have at least 2 of the following symptoms for at least 13 weeks:
- Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week or less frequent bowel movements than usual
- Discomfort, straining
- Large, hard, dry, or lumpy stools
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Feeling of rectal or anal blockage
- The need to exert strong effort to pass stools
2.Causes of Constipation in Children
There are various causes of constipation in children, which can be categorized into two main groups: organic causes and functional causes.
Organic Causes:
These include issues related to hyperthyroidism, neuromuscular problems in the abdomen, and intestinal diseases:
- Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism reduces the activity of the intestinal muscles, leading to constipation in children, along with other symptoms.
- Congenital Megacolon (Hirschsprung’s Disease): Children with this condition often have lower body weight than normal, may experience vomiting, and have smaller stools. Surgery is necessary for children with this condition to avoid severe complications such as toxic megacolon, septic shock, and even bowel perforation.
- Diabetes: Constipation is also a common symptom in children with diabetes.
- Neurological Conditions: Diseases such as cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, or spinal issues can lead to severe constipation in children.
Functional Causes includes:
- Habitual Withholding: This is the most common cause. When children withhold bowel movements, the stool remains in the intestines longer, becomes larger, and harder to pass, leading to chronic constipation.
- Sudden Dietary Changes: Infants are prone to constipation in children when they start solid foods abruptly, especially during their first exposure to such foods. Constipation can also occur when a baby is weaned from breast milk due to changes in water intake.
- Formula Milk: Different protein compositions in formula milk can cause constipation in infants. Excessive consumption of formula milk may result in green, hard stools.
- Dehydration: When a child is dehydrated, the body absorbs water from any source, including the stool, making it dry and hard.
- Low-Fiber Diet: A diet lacking in fiber can also cause constipation. Fiber from vegetables, fruits, and grains helps soften the stool, making it easier to pass.
3.Treating Constipation in Children
3.1. Ensure Adequate Hydration
Constipation can lead to dehydration in children, making the stool drier and harder to move through the digestive tract, which exacerbates the condition.
To address this, parents should ensure their child is well-hydrated by providing water, fruit juices, or electrolyte solutions. This approach is effective for children with chronic constipation and those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
3.2. Increase Fiber Intake in the Diet
According to nutrition experts, children with constipation should consume more vegetables and fruits to ensure adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber necessary for the body. This will help stimulate bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation.
Parents should also consider the type of fiber suitable for their child. There are two common types of fiber:
- Soluble Fiber: This type of fiber absorbs water well, helping to soften the stool. It is found in fruits, oats, barley, and seeds.
- Insoluble Fiber: This type of fiber enhances bowel movement activity, increases stool bulk, and is commonly found in whole grains, vegetables, and wheat.
3.3. Add Probiotics
Constipation in children can also occur due to an imbalance in the gut microbiota. Therefore, parents may consider adding probiotics to their child’s diet through products such as yogurt, probiotic supplements, or probiotic gummies.
3.4. Encourage More Physical Activity
Children can improve constipation by increasing physical activity. Regular exercise helps the digestive system function better, reducing the symptoms of constipation.
3.5. Massage the Child’s Abdomen
Parents can also massage their child’s abdomen to help relieve constipation. Abdominal massage improves bowel movements and can significantly enhance the effectiveness of constipation treatment. Here are steps parents can follow when massaging their child’s abdomen:
- Warm up your hands by rubbing them together, then apply a few drops of massage oil and place your hands on the child’s abdomen.
- With the child lying on their back, place both palms on the child’s abdomen and gently rub in a circular motion.
- Perform this action 2-3 times daily, with 10-20 rotations each time.
In addition to abdominal massage, parents can also have their child lie on their back, lift both legs, and perform cycling motions. This helps the digestive system work better and effectively improves constipation. Parents should encourage their child to establish a regular bowel movement schedule.
Constipation in children can be managed and treated effectively if parents are aware of the signs, causes, and timely solutions. Maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring proper hydration, and establishing regular bathroom habits for the child will help prevent constipation, leading to a healthier and more comfortable life. If constipation persists or severe symptoms arise, parents should consult a doctor for advice and timely treatment. Stay tuned for more articles from CentiUP!
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