Is your child having constipation? Let us find ways to properly care for our children and help them ease their concerns!
Introduction
Constipation is common in young children, and it can happen due to many things like toilet training, diet changes, etc. It is natural for parents to be worried about their children so they need to understand constipation and learn how to deal with constipation in children.
In this blog, we will explore the meaning, causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment, etc. of constipation in children.
What is constipation?
Constipation in children is a common condition that children experience hard or dry stool due to fewer bowel movements than normal. Having fewer bowel movements means that the body is taking more time to process and digest the food consumed by the child. Constipated children may experience hard and dry stools that are difficult to pass and use the bathroom less than usual.
What are the causes of constipation in children?
There are many common causes of constipation in children that we parents may not be aware of, but no need to worry! Some common causes are listed below:
- Lifestyle transitions: As babies get older, they may experience many transitions, like shifting from breast milk to baby formula or introduction to solid foods. While they are natural, babies and their tiny digestive systems need time to process these transitions and adapt to them, which may lead to constipation.
- Changes in diet: Having insufficient fluids and nutrients, mainly a lack of iron and fiber, may lead to having fewer bowel movements and thus constipation.
- Toilet training or routine changes: Kids may also experience constipation when they start potty training or have a change in routines like starting school or traveling, etc. as it affects their habits.
- Medical conditions: Many medical conditions and chronic diseases are also partly responsible for causing kids to experience constipation, like:
-
- Hypothyroidism
- Food allergies
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Diabetes
- Tumor
- spinal cord injuries
What are the symptoms of constipation in children?
Many common activities are happening in daily life that can be a sign of constipation in toddlers and you may not even notice. So, to make it easy, here are some symptoms of constipation in children:
- Hard bowel movements: It refers to feeling pain and difficulty while passing the stool as it gets hard and dry. Sometimes the stool can even be blood-stained.
- Refusing to visit the restroom: Many kids may feel discomfort and pain at times and withhold and try not to go to the washroom when in need due to fear of pain.
- Bloating or pain in the tummy: Improper digestion leads to bloating and causes stomachache.
- Not feeling hungry: Feeling full at times happens if there are fewer bowel movements than necessary and parents may not be aware but it is a sign of constipation in toddlers.
Effective home treatments for constipation in children.
There are many home treatments that you can try to ease your child’s constipation without any worries, as they are safe and natural:
- Dietary changes: It is an effective approach to make a balanced diet for a constipated child and feed your kids as healthy as you can to keep their digestive system relaxed and bowel movements normal.
- Encouraging healthy bathroom habits: Do not rush on the potty training and keep the environment positive and relaxed for your children to be at ease while they train.
- Initiate exercise and physical activities: Being physically active is a great way of keeping your body and inner functions normal and healthy. Indulge your children into exercise and daily physical activities like walking, yoga, and stretching to treat constipation.
- Over-the-counter medications: You can also use known medicines and laxatives that are available for stool softening and treating constipation. However, it is important to consult a doctor and take a proper prescription before using them.
When to consult a doctor?
While constipation is common in children, parents should monitor their children and take them to a pediatrician as soon as possible to get the earliest help. There are signs of constipation in toddlers that may be taken carefully and should be consulted with a doctor when you notice them:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal swelling
- Pain during bowel movements
Conclusion
Constipation is a condition that brings discomfort and pain to the child. When bowel movements are fewer than usual, they cause pain, bloating, and stress. Early toilet training, changes in routine, or dietary changes are some causes of constipation. Parents should make efforts to keep their children feeling positive to avoid constipation. Many home treatments like exercise, diet changes, and encouraging healthy habits may make it easy to cure constipation in children. Ensure proper consultation with your doctor and take wise steps to keep your child healthy and safe.
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FAQs
Q. What is constipation in young children?
Ans: Constipation in children is a common condition in that children experience hard or dry stool due to fewer bowel movements than normal.
Q. What are the causes of constipation in children?
Ans: Lifestyle transitions, changes in diet, toilet training or routine changes, and certain medical conditions can cause constipation in children.
Q. What are the symptoms of constipation in children?
Ans: Hard bowel movements, refusing to visit the restroom, bloating or pain in the tummy, and not feeling hungry are some signs of constipation in toddlers.
Q. Is constipation normal in children?
Ans: Yes, constipation is normal in children but you should take proper medical precautions and treatments to avoid any potential risks.
Q. When to start toilet training your child?
Ans: It is ideal to start potty training for your child between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old.
