Is Your Child Suffering From Constipation?

Constipation is a medical condition which comprises of hard, dry stool and irregular bowel movement. Constipation causes; abdominal pain, pain while having bowel movement, nausea and poor appetite.

Causes of Constipation in Children

Early Toilet Training

Problems of constipation in children are very common amongst children who are toilet trained at an early age. Your child might hold back his/her stool which leads to constipation. Hence, talk to your doctor and find out about the right time to start toilet training.

Withholding

Some children tend to ignore the urge of having a bowel movement because he/she might be too busy playing or may be involved in some other engaging activity. Withholding and ignoring bowel movement usually leads to constipation. Children who are already suffering from constipation usually avoid going to the toilet to avoid the pain, this may worsen the scenario.

Milk Allergy

Milk allergy is one of the most common allergies amongst children; usually children who suffer from this allergy have a constipation problem on an ongoing basis.

Family History

Constipation in children is more common amongst children who have a family history of constipation. If a child’s mother or father suffers from constipation problems, then the child will most probably inherit it as well.

Improper Diet

Constipation in children is usually caused by change in diet. Children who switch to solid foods from a liquid diet usually suffer from constipation. Constipation is also common amongst children who do not eat fiber rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.

Medication and Medical Conditions

Consuming certain types of medicine such as antidepressants can also cause constipation amongst children. Constipation can also be an indication or a symptom of different medical conditions such as anatomic malformation.

Remedies For Constipation In Children

Fluids

Getting ample amount of fluids is very important for children suffering from constipation. Fluids can aid in softening the child’s stool which can cure constipation in children. All kind of fluids are acceptable other than milk; excess consumption of milk can also cause constipation.

Fiber-Rich Foods

Fiber rich foods help in preventing and overcoming the problem of constipation in children. Foods rich in fiber aid in softening the child’s stool, foods that are rich in fiber include beans, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. The amount of fiber that a child should intake depends on the weight of the child. The general rule is 0.5g of fiber per kilogram of body weight. Hence it your child weighs 20kgs then give him/her 10g of fiber.

Remaining Physically Active

With the technological advancement, most children have switched from outdoor games to computer games. This technological addiction reduces the amount of physical activity that your child gets. A physically active child is safe from many diseases including constipation.

Encouragement

Encourage your child to sit on the toilet for about 10 minutes after every meal. Make your child follow this routine every day and reward him/her with chocolates or stickers for trying. This can help cure constipation - provided the child is ignoring the bowel movements or avoiding going to the toilet.

Suppositories

Suppositories are a type of medication that can help relieve your child from the pain caused by constipation. This medicine will solve the constipation problem and help the child pass the stool without any pain. However, do take your doctor’s advice before giving your child suppositories.