Children frequently suffer from constipation, especially since they may get carried away while playing and ignore the urge to go to the toilet.
This can make subsequent bowel movements difficult and painful, increasing the child's tendency to avoid the toilet, which in turn worsens the constipation and continues that vicious cycle.
Therefore, treating constipation in children is essential not only for the child's health but also to protect against complications of severe constipation. So, how can constipation in children be treated and prevented?
What is Constipation in Children?
Children with constipation have bowel movements less frequently than usual.
This varies from one child to another, but constipation usually means having a bowel movement less than twice a week. The stool is typically hard, dry, and large, and passing it may be difficult or painful for them.
Causes of Constipation in Children
Many factors can contribute to the occurrence of constipation in children, such as:
1. Diet
Diet affects the likelihood of developing constipation, as in the case of:
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Not eating enough fiber-rich foods.
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Not drinking enough water or fluids. Stools tend to be harder and drier if there is little fiber and fluid in the intestines.
2. Withholding Behavior
This means the child feels the need to go to the toilet but resists that urge. This is very common; a child may cross their legs, sit on the back of their heels, or do similar things to help resist the feeling of needing to go.
The child may also squeeze their buttocks to try to prevent the stool from coming out and may appear very restless.
Additionally, there may be streaks of stool on the child's underwear when they can no longer hold it in.
Eventually, the child must have a bowel movement, but it may be harder and often more painful. This behavior also has several causes, such as:
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Feeling pain or struggling during previous attempts to have a bowel movement.
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Pain in the anus or an anal fissure resulting from a previously passed large stool, making passing more stool painful.
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The child may dislike unfamiliar or foul-smelling toilets.
3. Emotional Issues
The problem of constipation may worsen if the child is upset due to a change in environment or routine, such as moving to a new house or starting daycare. Toilet training can also be a factor that makes a child afraid to use the toilet.
4. Busy Children
Some children do not pay attention to the signals their bodies send them to have a bowel movement. This can happen when children are too busy playing, causing them to forget to go to the toilet.
5. Other Causes
Children can suffer from constipation for other reasons, such as:
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Taking certain medications.
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Hirschsprung's disease or Celiac disease.
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Congenital defects, such as Spina Bifida.
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Hypothyroidism.
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Diabetes.
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Illnesses that cause loss of appetite.
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Stress resulting from school or changes in routine, weather, or travel.
What are the Symptoms of Constipation in Children?
Symptoms of constipation in children include:
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Bowel movements less than twice a week.
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Hard, dry, or lumpy stools.
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Large or painful stools.
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Abdominal bloating.
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Nausea.
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Bloody stools.
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Stool in the underwear that resembles diarrhea.
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Poor appetite.
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Behavioral changes, such as the child being more irritable.
The Dangers of Constipation in Children
Regardless of the cause, the issue of constipation in children should not be ignored.
Severe constipation may lead to impaction, where a very large stool gets stuck in the lower part of the intestine, usually just above the anus in the rectal area.
This can cause further symptoms, particularly the child regularly soiling their underwear with very soft stool, which mothers often mistaken for diarrhea.
Other potential health problems occur with severe constipation, such as:
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Fecal incontinence.
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Anal fissures, which are small tears in the anus that cause bleeding, itching, or pain.
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Rectal prolapse, where the rectum protrudes from the anus.
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Hemorrhoids.
Treating Constipation in Children
Constipation in children can be treated through:
1. Diet
Diet is one of the essential steps in treating constipation in children, but it should not be relied upon alone if the constipation is of unknown cause.
However, the child must get used to eating a good and balanced diet that includes large amounts of drinks (mainly water) and fiber-rich foods; this will help prevent the recurrence of constipation once it has cleared.
2. Laxatives
Laxatives may be prescribed to treat constipation that lasts for more than a few days, but the doctor determines the appropriate type and dose for the child. Laxatives used for children generally fall into two types:
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Macrogol: A type of laxative that draws fluids into the intestines, keeping the stool soft.
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Stimulant laxatives: These stimulate the intestines to expel stool, such as Bisacodyl and Docusate Sodium.
3. Routine
One of the therapeutic methods is also encouraging the child to go to the toilet regularly, especially after eating. They might even be rewarded to help them get used to it.
4. Temporarily Pausing Toilet Training
It may be advised to temporarily postpone toilet training until the child's constipation disappears.
Constipation Medications for Children from the Pharmacy
AlJawaher Almotamayza Pharmacies provide some effective medications for treating constipation in children, but the choice of what suits your child depends on the doctor's assessment:
1. Pico 30 ml Drops
Pico 30 ml drops for children to treat constipation, which contain the active ingredient "Sodium Picosulfate" that stimulates bowel movement to expel stool.
2. Glycelax for Infants 12 Suppositories
Glycelax for infants contains glycerin laxative, which treats constipation and is used for occasional cases of constipation from time to time.
3. Soften Gel Strips 10 x 15 ml
Soften Gel is an oral syrup, a nutritional supplement containing concentrated prune juice and liquid tamarind extract. Soften Gel helps improve bowel movement and support digestive health.
How to Protect Your Child from Constipation?
It is recommended to follow these tips to prevent constipation in children and reduce the likelihood of its occurrence:
1. Eating Fiber
Children should eat foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. However, many children may not prefer these types of foods. Here are some ideas to try and increase the child's fiber intake:
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A meal of fried potatoes with baked beans.
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High-fiber cereals for breakfast.
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Serving fruit with every meal, perhaps cutting it into small pieces to make it look more attractive.
2. Fluids
Children should also be encouraged to drink large amounts of water, as this helps reduce the risk of constipation.
Other drinks besides water can be consumed, such as fruit juices containing fructose or sorbitol, which have a laxative effect, like pear or apple juice.
3. Toilet Training
Toilet training should also be made comfortable by talking with the child about what happens when changing diapers or pants, while avoiding anger or annoyance if the child soils their pants.
Additionally, the child can be encouraged by giving a small gift whenever they go to the toilet instead of holding the stool; praise also helps the child move forward.
4. Practicing More Physical Exercise
A child's physical exercise may help treat constipation, as exercise aids digestion and supports the natural movement of the intestines.
Therefore, the child should be asked to go out and play instead of watching TV or doing other indoor activities at home whenever possible, especially since children who do not move much often suffer from constipation.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
A doctor should be consulted if you have any concerns about constipation in the child. The need to visit a doctor is confirmed if any of the following symptoms appear:
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Suffering from constipation for more than two weeks.
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Bloody stools.
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The child's inability to perform normal activities due to constipation.
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Liquid or soft stool leaking from the anus.
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Swollen red veins (hemorrhoids) in the rectum.
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Abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting.
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Small, painful tears in the skin around the anus.
