Constipation in Children: Symptoms and Treatment

Constipation in children is a fairly common condition. This condition has a significant impact not only on your child's life but also on your family's life and is one of the most common reasons for consulting a family doctor.

How to identify the symptoms of the condition:

• How to identify the symptoms of the condition:
• Difficulty or pain during bowel movements
• Clenching of the buttocks
• Abdominal bloating
• Presence of stool in the underwear resembling diarrhea

Diagnosis

When determining the diagnosis, it is not enough to focus solely on the symptoms. It is often recommended to consult a doctor. The best clinics in Switzerland can help with diagnosis and treatment at the highest level.

Treatment

Treatment should primarily take into account hygienic-dietary measures, particularly the formation of the anal sphincter.

For children older than 4 years, the "sitting" program on the toilet for 5-10 minutes should be established under the following conditions:

• After a meal (as the gastrocolic reflex is triggered after eating);
• When you experience abdominal cramps;

It is very important to treat the underlying condition when it exists or resort to symptomatic treatment to improve the quality of life and prevent complications. In case of exacerbation of the problem, you can undergo examination and treatment in Switzerland, where you will receive qualified assistance.

First and foremost, it is necessary to have a proper understanding of the physiology of the defecation process.

Ideally, having a bowel movement once a day is recommended but not mandatory.

Set a time for bowel movement, preferably 15-30 minutes after a hearty breakfast.

It is recommended to drink a glass of cold fruit juice on an empty stomach before breakfast or hot coffee after it.

Initially, you can use a mild laxative, and after 3-5 days, the intestines will learn to empty themselves at the appointed time.

Initially, you can use a mild laxative, and after 3-5 days, the intestines will learn to empty themselves at the appointed time.

Causes of constipation in children

The causes of constipation in children can include the following:

• Changes in dietary habits, such as when a child starts eating adult foods;
• Consuming too much cow's milk;
• Inadequate fluid intake (especially in hot weather);
• During travel when they have to use a new toilet they are not accustomed to;
• Changes in a child's daily routine, such as starting school;
• Anal fissures;
• Children may feel embarrassed to use the toilet at school;

Certain health and nutrition issues

Some health and nutrition problems can lead to constipation in children:

• Insufficient fiber intake
• Inadequate fluid intake or dehydration
• Hirschsprung's disease
• Conditions affecting the brain and spine
• Spinal or head injuries
• Conditions affecting metabolism, such as diabetes
• Conditions affecting hormones, such as hypothyroidism
• Problems that can block or narrow the colon or rectum, including tumors

Preventing constipation in children

To help prevent constipation in children:

• Offer your child high-fiber foods. A fiber-rich diet can help your child's body form soft and bulky stool. Give your child more high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and whole-grain bread. If your child is not used to a high-fiber diet, start with a few grams of fiber a day to prevent gas and bloating.
• The recommended daily intake of dietary fiber is 14 grams per 1000 calories in your child's diet.
• For younger children, this means consuming about 20 grams of dietary fiber per day. For adolescent girls aFor younger children, this means consuming about 20 grams of dietary fiber per day. For adolescent girls and young women, it's 29 grams per day, and for adolescent boys and young men, it's 38 grams per day.nd young women, it's 29 grams per day, and for adolescent boys and young men, it's 38 grams per day.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.
• Promote physical activity. Regular physical activity helps stimulate normal bowel function.
• Establish a bathroom routine. Set aside time after meals for your child to use the toilet. If necessary, provide a stool so that your child can comfortably sit on the toilet and have a footrest for leverage when flushing.
• Remind your child to listen to their body's signals. Some children get so engrossed in play that they ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. If such delays occur frequently, they can contribute to constipation.
• Support your child's efforts rather than focusing on the results. Give children small rewards for attempting to have a bowel movement. Rewards can include stickers, a special book, or a game that they can only get after (or possibly during) toilet time. Do not punish a child who has soiled their underwear.