Parenting often leads to unexpected conversations and experiences you might not have anticipated. While sleepless nights are a well-known part of the journey, discussing bowel movements might not have been something you’d planned on.
Board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist Israel Kochin M.D., and the rest of our team are dedicated to ensuring your child’s happiness and health are a top priority. When constipation strikes, it can disrupt a child’s daily life and cause stress for both them and you. Here’s what you should know.
How can I tell if my child is constipated?
Constipation involves irregular bowel movements. However, what’s considered “normal” can vary greatly between children. For instance, one child might have a daily bowel movement, while another might poop only three times a week, and both can be considered normal.
Around one in 20 visits to a pediatrician is due to constipation.
When a child is constipated, they may have hard and lumpy stools, which can be painful to pass. Some children might struggle to fully empty their bowels, while others may face difficulties due to psychological factors, discomfort, or dietary reasons.
What are the signs of constipation in children?
Your child may not want to talk about it or realize that constipation is the issue, so recognizing the signs of constipation in children is important. Knowing what to look for when your child is feeling unwell or acting differently means you can address the issue promptly.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to check how often your child is using the bathroom or to start keeping track of their bowel movements:
- Hard stools
- Straining
- Stomach pain
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Bloating
- Bathroom accidents
- Fussiness
- Reduced appetite
Your child is likely constipated if they have fewer than three bowel movements a week. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, or if other concerning signs like fever, pain during bowel movements, or blood in the stool appear, it’s time to visit Dr. Kochin for help.
Why seek medical help?
Beyond the discomfort and irritability your child is experiencing, the longer constipation goes on, the more challenging it can be to treat. Chronic constipation can lead to additional complications, including:
- Rectal prolapse
- Stool withholding
- Anal fissures
- Hemorrhoids
Addressing constipation early can prevent these complications and reduce the discomfort your child is experiencing.
How do you treat and prevent constipation?
Various treatment options are available for this common condition. After a careful and thorough examination, Dr. Kochin suggests the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for your child, which could include:
Adjusting your child’s diet
Increasing the amount of fiber and water in your child’s diet — while cutting back on fiber-poor foods like chips, some processed items, and meat — can help relieve and prevent constipation.
Changing behaviors
Modifying routines or using rewards to encourage bathroom use can be beneficial. If your child is in the process of potty training, you may want to pause the training until constipation resolves.
Trying laxatives or enemas
An oral laxative can soften your child’s stool, making it easier to pass. You should only use laxatives briefly and under your doctor’s guidance. Dr. Kochin can recommend a product and dosage that’s safe for your child.
An enema involves gently injecting fluid into your child’s rectum to stimulate a bowel movement. This can help clear your child’s bowels and set them on the path to regular and healthy bowel movements. Like laxatives, this treatment isn’t meant for daily or long-term use.
Being constipated can be a frustrating experience for your child. If your child is struggling with constipation, contact Israel Kochin, M.D., today. Schedule an appointment, and let’s work together to get your child back on track to feeling their best.