Constipation is an extremely common childhood condition. It is often ignored and passed on as a condition that will improve as the child grow (by many parents). But we should never ignore early signs of constipation, as it can have long term consequence.  

The trick is to always be one step ahead of constipation when it comes to your child.

Some facts about Constipation

  • It is a common cause of recurrent abdominal pain in children.        
  • Constipation may be present even if child is passing stools daily. Yes, it is true. If child is passing hard stool, painful or excessive straining while passing stool, it could be constipation, which need proper evaluation.          
  • When children are most prone to it: 
    • Transitioning to solid foods and whole milk. 
    • Potty training: child feel stressed due to excessive emphasis on toilet training 
    • School entry: child feel embarrassed to use public bathroom. 
    • Low fiber diet 
    • Less of liquid in diet: drinks very little water whole day
    • On long term medication due to some chronic illnesses 
    • Certain rare medical conditions like Hirschprung’s disease, some obstructive lesions leading to narrowing of GI tract.

Red flag signs which should not be ignored:

  • Constipation since birth
  • Failure or delay to pass meconium ( first blackish stool after birth)
  • Ribbon like stools (more likely in a child under 1 year of age)
  • Previously unknown or undiagnosed weakness in legs, locomotor delay
  • Abdominal distension with vomiting 

Stay one step ahead with these tips: 

  • Make your child’s daily meals full of fiber rich foods. Think whole fruits, whole grains, fiber cereals, and green/leafy vegetables. 
  • Water, water, and more water. Keep a refillable water bottle on hand and encourage your child to drink frequently. 
  • Moderate milk intake. Too much of a good thing can be bad for your child’s digestion. Instead of filling up on fiber rich foods, she is filling up on this. After the age of 1 year, 500 ml per day is more than enough. 
  • Make a smoothie: if you have a picky eater…have her drink her fiber. Add whole fruits, some skim milk, yogurt, and a splash of juice. 
  • Try a daily “P” juice (prune or pear) for breakfast to get things back on track.
  • A daily fiber supplement can help fill in the fiber gap. 
  • Exercise. Get your kids outside (or inside) and moving for a good hour per day.

Medications/ Laxatives:·        

Like Polyethyleneglycol 3350 , lactulose etc might be needed in some cases. They should be taken in proper doses and for adequate duration of period along with dietary changes for long term results.  

Once the cycle of constipation has set in, dietary changes alone may not turn it around. Be sure to adhere to the plan outlined with your pediatrician and continue with the constipation fighting foods above. Discuss with your doctor and follow instruction carefully. Incomplete treatment can lead to poor growth.

Regards