Make an Appointment

What is Constipation?
Constipation is a common problem in children, means passing hard stools (feces), with difficulty, and less often than normal. When it lasts for > 4 weeks, it is known as "Significant Constipation''.

It is important that constipation should be recognized early to prevent it from becoming a long-term problem.

What causes this problem?
In routine pediatric practice, approx. 10% of children present with constipation. It is noted in the 1st year of life in 17-40% of cases; 95% cases of constipation are functional

• • Withholding: Your child may ignore the urge to have a bowel movement because he or she is afraid of the toilet or doesn't want to take a break from play. Some children withhold when they're away from home because they're uncomfortable using public toilets.
  
  Painful bowel movements caused by large, hard stools also may lead to withholding. If it hurts to poop, your child may try to avoid a repeat of the distressing experience.


• • Toilet training issues: If you begin toilet training too soon, your child may rebel and hold in stool. If toilet training becomes a battle of wills, a voluntary decision to ignore the urge to poop can quickly become an involuntary habit that's tough to change.


• • Changes in diet: Not enough fiber-rich fruits and vegetables or fluid in your child's diet may cause constipation. One of the more common times for children to become constipated is when they're switching from an all-liquid diet to one that includes solid foods.


• • Changes in routine: Any changes in your child's routine - such as travel, hot weather or stress - can affect bowel function. Children are also more likely to experience constipation when they first start school outside of the home.


• • Dietary factors: Predominant milk-based diet, bottle-feeding, diet poor in fiber, change in infant formulas.

How do I know if my child is constipated?
Most of children present with passing infrequent hard stools. Other complaints may be:

• • Nonspecific abdominal pain/discomfort
• • Painful defecation
• • Withholding of stools
• • Urinary complaints (frequent urination)
• • Passing large size stools or pellet-like stools
• • Bloating, passing a lot of gas, decreased appetite

When to see your Pediatrician?
Parents must seriously think of consulting a Pediatrician if they notice any of the following:

• • Persistence of constipation beyond 4weeks
• • Child is standing to pass stools or straining significantly to defecate
• • Fecal soiling of pants
• • Child is afraid to evacuate or cries while passing stools
• • Pain or bleeding while passing stools
• • "Ribbon stools" (more likely in a child younger than 1 year)
• • Abdominal distention with vomiting accompanied by constipation
• • Urinary tract symptoms viz., urine retention / infection or incontinence

Want to consult?
Feel free to schedule an appointment with your Paediatrician at neo care – New Born & Child Clinic, Ashirwad Complex, Sector 104, Noida.