Treatment for Constipation in Children

Constipation is common among children and can be caused by changes in routine. Most cases are easy to correct and do not cause long-term health problems. Chronic constipation can take months of therapy to resolve, but treatment setbacks can be quickly dealt with and shouldn't be seen as failure. Children with chronic constipation usually need at least six months of therapy to establish regular bowel movements before they can stop the treatment without the symptoms relapsing. Let’s learn about the diagnosis and treatment options for constipation in children.

Constipation Symptoms

Constipation is a common problem among children. The important characteristics are infrequent bowel movements or hard, dry stools. Other symptoms include the following:

• Having less than three bowel movements a week

• The stool is hard and dry and causes difficulty passing

• Experiencing pain during bowel movement

• Stomach pain

• When your child's underwear has traces of liquid or pasty stool, it may signify rectal impaction

• There is blood present on the surface of a hard stool

If your child fears that having a bowel movement will hurt, he/she may try to avoid it. If you notice your child crossing legs, clenching buttocks, twisting the body, or making faces when attempting to hold stool, you should understand that constipation is hurting him/her.

Constipation Treatment

There are three primary treatments for constipation, and they usually work hand-in-hand.

• Diet

Feed your child a diet high in fibre and fluids. Include fruits, vegetables, high-fibre cereals, whole grains, beans, and legumes. Snacks like trail mix, popcorn, and yoghurt, which contain probiotics, are great options. Encourage your child to drink water and milk throughout the day. Limit sugary drinks to approximately 4 oz (118-120 ml) a day for younger children and 6-8 oz (nearly 240 ml) for older kids.

• Stool Softener

A stool softener is a safe option to relieve constipation in children. However, parents must correct two common mistakes when giving their child a stool softener. Firstly, they may need to use a larger dose, which may yield the desired results. Secondly, parents may stop giving the stool softener too soon. It is crucial to continue giving the stool softener even after the first normal-looking bowel movement to avoid another bout of constipation. Some children may need to stay on a stool softener for a few weeks. As you continue to modify your child's diet, consult with the paediatrician to get the right dosing schedule for your child.

• Regular toilet time

You must encourage your child to use the toilet right after waking up in the morning and after every snack or meal. For younger children, it may be more effective to give clear instructions rather than asking questions. Instead of saying, "Do you need to go to the washroom?" you can say, "It's time to go to the washroom now." This way, your child will understand the importance of using the toilet regularly.