How to Treat Constipation in Kids | Pineville Pediatrics | Ballantyne Pediatrician

How to Treat Constipation in Kids

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Bowel Movements Defecation patterns vary from child to child, just as they do in adults. Most children have bowel movements 1 or 2 times a day, and other children may go 2 to 3 days or longer before passing a normal stool.

Constipation Constipation is a frequent problem in the pediatric age. Its estimated prevalence varies between 0.3% and 8% of the child population.

Constipation is also a reason for frequent consultation (3-5% of visits to the pediatrician, and up to 25% of the cases in pediatric gastroenterology clinics).

Functional Constipation Functional constipation is present when there is no organic etiology (which constitutes the vast majority of cases). In these cases, the doctor may ask you about your child's past illnesses, as well as their diet and physical activities.

Causes The cause of constipation is multifactorial. Criteria for defining functional constipation vary and are primarily based on a variety of symptoms, including decreased frequency of bowel movements and changes in stool consistency.

Constipation is difficult to treat for most patients and can be a longlasting health problem.

Diagnosis A physical exam that will likely include placing a gloved finger into your child's anus. This procedure allows the doctor to check for abnormalities or the presence of impacted stool. In the same way, the stool found in the rectum can be tested for blood.

A biopsy of a small tissue from the lining of the rectum to check the likelihood of other ailments such as Hirschsprung's disease (a condition that affects the large intestine and causes problems with passing stool) X-ray with a barium enema: during this test, an Xray machine takes pictures of the colon while an enema tube inserted in the rectum delivers liquid barium, a contrast fluid (barium) that is placed on the wall that lines the intestine.

The first measure to treat your child’s constipation at home is by doing changing your child's feeding habits. This preventive treatment makes stools softer and easier to pass. It is recommended to eat more high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water and other liquids.

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