Constipation in children: What parents need to know

Constipation in children

5-year-old Myra complained of stomach ache. Worried, the parents took her to the doctor for a check up. When the doctor suggested an X ray of the abdomen, they were naturally worried. But the results shocked them. The child was heavily constipated, which was resulting in the stomach ache.

Signs of chronic constipation

A majority of children suffer from chronic constipation. Some of the most common complaints are persistent stomach aches, hard stools that are difficult to pass out. Most parents tend to believe that constipation is only about passing hard stools. But medically, there are primarily three possibilities of constipation: First being difficulty in passing stool, second not passing them everyday and third would be the child passing out dry, small pebbles like stools or small quantity stools that do not empty the bowel in one go.

Other signs of chronic constipation are pain while having a bowel movement, stomach pain, and pasty stool in your child’s underwear, which basically means that your child’s stool is backed up in the rectum. Another worrying sign is blood on the surface of a hard stool.
If the bowel keeps accumulating inside, it causes children to lose their appetite. In severe cases, kids also suffer from cuts and bruises around the potty area. That fear makes them hold back their stools, which is even more dangerous. Unattended constipation can cause malnutrition, and unhappy and unhealthy children.

How do you help your child if he/she has chronic habitual constipation?

According to the pediatrician, avoid giving him more milk. The more milk your child takes, the less he will be willing to eat other nutritious foods. Maida items such as biscuits are also big culprits of constipation. Furthermore, I have seen many parents giving their children plain rice. A low vegetable diet often leads to stiff bowels.

See also  "Unlocking the Power of Milk: Why it's Essential for Kids' Growth and Well-being"

Foods to prevent and treat constipation

If your child suffers from chronic constipation, there are some diet changes that can help ease the symptoms:

  • Feed them a high-fiber diet
  • Add certain fruits to their diets such as bananas, prunes, and anjeer
  • Make sure they are active and exercise daily
  • They must drink plenty of water

If the issue doesn’t settle, it’s ok to take prescribed medicines. Most people fear laxatives thinking it may have side effects or make the body dependent on it but that’s not true.

You May Like
Five easy potty-training tips
potty-training tips

Potty training for kids appears like a very complicated task. But, if parents follow the right step at the right time as per their child's behavior, it is not as ... READ MORE

How can I make flash cards learning sessions engaging and interactive for my child.
flashcards for kids

Understand the importance of making flashcard learning sessions engaging and interactive for children. Here are some effective strategies to create a stimulating and enjoyable flashcard learning experience: Make it Fun: Infuse ... READ MORE

Saying NO To Your Child: How To Do It Effectively
Boy playing outdoor drdad

Introduction Saying "no" to your child, especially a toddler, is a crucial aspect of parenting. While it may seem challenging, setting boundaries and teaching your child the importance of limits ... READ MORE

10 expert-recommended Ways to Develop Self Control in Kids
self control in kids

Self-control Self-control is a set of abilities that enable adults and children to control their behaviors, emotions, and thoughts to accomplish a goal. In a nutshell, it's the ability to ... READ MORE

See also  Indoor allergies in kids: Common causes, symptoms and all you need to know