Constipation In Kids

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Constipation In Children

When our children were young, we needed to help them with the daily task of using the toilet. We may have sometimes seen or heard that they were having difficulty going. You may have even experienced your child crying and complaining that it hurts to go to the bathroom.

Perhaps your child is constipated. Constipation in kids is a common problem.

If you think your child is constipated, how can you tell?

You need to look for these signs of constipation.

Signs & Symptoms

• Stomach pain and bloating
• Bleeding with bowel movements
• Soiling accidents

Also, constipation in children can be confusing. For example, it is possible for a child suffering from constipation to appear to have diarrhea. Diarrhea and constipation at the same time!? That can be confusing.

Diarrhea and constipation can happen when a sizeable hard-to-pass stool has gotten stuck in your child’s rectum. However, liquid stool can still pass around the blockage.

A constipated child will often use the bathroom less frequently. Moreover, when your child does “go,” their stool is dry, hard, and painful to pass.

Possible causes of constipation may include:

• Unwillingness to Use the Toilet It would be nice if a bowel movement is quick and easy. What if it is long and drawn out and even painful?

• Your child may react to unpleasant times on the toilet by resisting or outright avoiding the urge to go. This would then increase the likelihood of constipation.

• You also need to be sensitive to your child’s reluctance to use the toilet in certain places (school, for example). Again, the reluctance to use the bathroom when it is time can make bowel movements more painful when it does occur.

• Your child may be stressed about potty training. Look for ways to make it easier for them. Be sensitive.

Constipation in kids can become a problem that becomes cyclical. If it hurts to “poop” once, your child may be more fearful of going the next time.

Your Child’s Diet

A diet that is low in fiber or doesn’t include enough liquids (or both) may result in difficult bowel movements. This can be common in toddlers transitioning from formula to whole milk.

A low-fiber diet and if it is coupled with a low-liquid intake, can be a problem. As you increase the fiber level in your child’s diet, you can see a reduction or even an elimination of difficult bowel movements. You should also ensure that your child’s diet includes plenty of healthy fluids.

Encourage your child to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, high-fiber cereals, and whole grain bread with at least 3-5 grams of fiber per serving.

A variety of beans and other legumes, like chickpeas and lentils, will help too.

Two excellent sources of fiber that kids are often happy to eat are trail mix and popcorn with minimal salt or butter. If you like the idea of trail mix, you can buy the ingredients and let your child create the mix. This way, they can be involved in creating this nutritious and constipation-relieving snack. You do not need to tie the making and eating of the trial mix to your child’s constipation. Always be watchful and look for ways to reduce the stress associated with your child’s bowel movements.

Foods containing probiotics, like yogurt, can also promote good digestive health.

Fiber is essential, and so are fluids. A high amount of fiber with a low fluid consumption level can worsen matters. Fluids are vital to flush everything through their digestive system. Encourage and help your child to drink plenty of water and some milk. Put a limit or eliminate sugary drinks.

Work with your family to cut out unhealthy foods. This can be difficult as unhealthy foods often taste delicious! They are designed to be so delicious that they become addictive. 

Remember the commercial, “Bet you can’t eat just one.” We don’t seem to hear that about salad or an apple. But when it comes to “treats,” many children have trouble eating just one chip or just one spoonful of ice cream. As a parent, look for ways to substitute unhealthy foods with nutritious, low-sugar, high-fiber foods.

Stool Softeners

You may want to research and consider using a stool softener.

These are typically safe for children.

Parents make two common mistakes when giving their children a stool softener for constipation.

1. Not using a large enough dose.
2. Stopping it too soon.

For example, you might think you can stop giving a stool softener after your child’s first normal-looking bowel movement. However, stopping too soon may result in another period of constipation for your child.

Your child may need to stay on a stool softener for a few weeks as you continue to modify your child’s fiber and liquid intake.

Talk with your child’s pediatrician. Your pediatrician can advise you on the proper dosing schedule and dosing level to help relieve your child’s constipation.

Bathroom Schedule

Help to create a regular bowel movement schedule.

A schedule where your child uses the toilet first thing in the morning and after every meal or snack. Being on a regular schedule for your child’s bowel movements will help.

You may get better results for a younger child by telling, not asking. You could suggest, “Do you need to go to the bathroom?” or simply say, “It is time to go to the bathroom now.”

You will get the best results if you combine these three approaches. A high-fiber diet will be helpful but may not be sufficient to relieve a severe case of constipation. You may need a stool softener too.

If your child stays on a low-fiber diet, stops taking a stool softener, and continues not getting enough healthy fluids, the problem will likely happen again.

Working with

Your Doctor

Work well with any medical professionals.

If your child’s constipation lasts longer than two weeks, you will want to seek medical care from your child’s doctor.

What to do to prepare for your appointment.

If necessary, your child may be referred to a specialist in digestive disorders (gastroenterologist).

Keep in mind that appointments can be brief. You need to be prepared.

Here’s some information to help you prepare and know what to expect from your doctor.

What You Can Do

Be aware of any pre-appointment requirements. When you make the appointment, ask if there’s anything you need to do in advance, such as restricting your child’s diet.

Write down any symptoms your child is experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to why you scheduled the appointment. It’s also good to write down your child’s signs and symptoms. Record the date your child’s constipation started and any other coinciding events.

Include notes about stool frequency and appearance, any changes you’ve noticed in stool patterns (frequency, volume, and content), and what and how much your child eats and drinks.

Write down personal information, including any significant stresses or recent life changes.

Make a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements that your child is taking. Let your child’s doctor know what steps you’ve taken to treat your child’s constipation.

Write down questions to ask your child’s doctor.

For constipation in children, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• Can you help me to understand the likely cause of my child’s symptoms?
• What other possible causes could there be?
• Do you need to perform any particular tests on my child?
• Can you explain how long this condition might last?
• Do you have any recommendations on what treatments can help reduce or correct the symptoms?
• Can you make some suggestions on how to modify my child’s diet?
• Do we need to see a bowel specialist?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you’re prescribing?
• Can we treat this condition without medication?
• Do you have any literature, or can you make suggestions for how to learn more about this condition?
• Can you make any specific recommendations about informational websites?

When your child suffers from constipation, you suffer too. Be sensitive to your child’s condition and look for ways to help. These tips and advice on how to reduce constipation in children will help.