Constipation in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A] What is Constipation in Children?

Constipation in children is when bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to pass. The condition can not be defined by exact bowel movement counts per week as these numbers differ for each child. Doctors use multiple factors to diagnose this condition, including how frequently they go to the washroom, what time they evacuate, stool consistency (dry, hard, pebble-like), pain and difficulty in bowel movement, soiling of cloths, and symptoms like abdominal pain or bloating. 

Like adults, children can’t speak or express their discomfort, so it’s essential for parents to understand the signs and behavioural changes in their kids. Paediatric constipation is not the same as adult constipation because it usually results from behavioural habits, diet, or emotional stress rather than solely from medical conditions. If not treated, constipation in kids can affect their general health and daily lives.

B] Common Causes of Constipation in Children

• Dietary Factors 

Constipation in kids commonly develops because of their poor dietary habits, which are unhealthy. The combination of food low in fibre and high in dairy or processed ingredients can lead children to develop stiff stools. Inadequate fluid consumption intensifies constipation because it creates insufficient water to soften stool, which increases the constipation problem in children.

• Lifestyle Factors 

Modern sedentary lifestyles are a major cause of constipation in children. Many kids prefer using electronic devices instead of activities that affect their digestive system. Another big reason for constipation in kids is an irregular bathroom routine due to busy schedules and avoidance of school toilets throughout the day. 

• Medical Causes

Sometimes, medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, Hirschsprung’s disease, and neurological disorders can impact regular bowel operations and lead to constipation in children. Medications such as pain relievers and antacids have side effects that may slow down bowel movement activities and lead to paediatric constipation, which requires professional attention.

• Emotional Factors 

Your child being emotionally unhappy can directly affect their digestive system functioning. Major life changes can trigger anxiety, which can be expressed as constipation in kids. After facing the painful experience, they fear using the toilet and holding it for longer, which worsens the constipation problem in children.

C] Symptoms and Signs of Constipation in Kids

• Difficulty In Passing Stools

Straining on the toilet is one of the most common signs of constipation in children. Dry, hard stools are painful, so kids skip the bathroom. They may push too hard, cry, or hold their stool, making things worse in the long run.

• Abdominal Pain Or Bloating

Kids with constipation may complain of belly pain as a result of the stool accumulating and stretching the intestines. This pain and discomfort can come and go and worsen before the child has a bowel movement. Visible bloating or hard belly are signs of paediatric constipation in kids that must not be overlooked.

• Changes In Bowel Movement Frequency

A noticeable reduction in bowel movements indicates a constipation problem in the child. If a child does not pass stool for more than 3-4 days, it could be an indication of severe constipation in kids. Delayed bowel movements make stools harden, which makes them even harder to pass.

• Other Common Signs Of Constipation In Children

Other symptoms of paediatric bowel movement problems include stool leakage (encopresis), irregular body schedules (non-morning evacuation), poor appetite, lethargy, and abnormal postures to hold stool. Chronic constipation in kids may also lead to urinary problems, as retained stool puts pressure on the bladder, which may result in bedwetting or infection at times.

D] How Paediatricians Diagnose Constipation in Children

When paediatric constipation is found, the professionals determine the severity level using various methods. They start with understanding your medical history by asking detailed questions about your child’s bowel habits, food and drink intake, and any recent changes that might have triggered the issue. This should be followed by a physical examination, which usually includes checking your child’s abdomen for distention or tenderness and may involve a gentle rectal examination to understand the impacted stool. In some cases, additional tests, such as an abdominal X-ray, may be required to visualise the amount of stool in the colon and rule out other potential causes of constipation in children.

E] Effective Treatment Of Constipation In Children

• Dietary Changes 

Adjusting your child’s diet typically helps to ease constipation in children. Increase fibre by consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fluids. Some parents prefer restricting milk and adding natural foods that work as laxatives, such as prunes, as it’s particularly effective in managing signs of constipation in kids.

• Encouraging Regular Bathroom Habits

Develop regular toileting habits to overcome paediatric constipation. Encourage visits to the bathroom after meals when the gastrocolic reflex naturally stimulates bowel movement. Create a comfortable setting with a footstool for proper positioning, and consider reward charts to encourage healthy habits and reduce anxiety.

• Over-The-Counter Remedies

When lifestyle modifications are not enough, taking prescribed fibre supplements or osmotic laxatives can help constipation in children. These medications soften stool and enhance the frequency of bowel movements. Always use these products under the guidance of a doctor to prevent dependency on treating paediatric bowel movement problems.

• Medical Treatments For Severe Cases 

Severe or chronic constipation problems in children might need prescription medications, enemas, or procedures to remove impacted stool. Some children get benefits through treatment programs that address both physical and psychological factors of constipation in children.

F] Preventing Constipation in Children

Prevention is always better than cure! To reduce the risk of constipation problems in children, parents should ensure that their child eats a balanced diet rich in fiber and fluids. Encourage your children to engage in physical activity as this can help in healthy digestion, and educating children to listen and understand their natural needs instead of delaying bathroom visits can make a huge difference.

G] When to Seek Professional Help for Constipation Problems in Kids

While mild constipation in kids can be treated at home, some situations need to be treated medically. You must see a paediatrician if your child has constipation for more than two weeks, has bad stomach pain, bloating, or vomiting, has signs of blood in the stool, or has unexplained weight loss or poor growth that is related to constipation.