WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is constipation? Constipation is when your child has hard, dry bowel movements or goes longer than usual in between bowel movements. What causes constipation in children? - New foods in your child's diet
- Not going to the bathroom often enough
- Too much milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, or other milk products
- Not eating enough high-fiber foods
- Not drinking enough liquids each day
- Emotional issues that cause him to be tense
What are the signs and symptoms of constipation in children? - Pain or crying during the bowel movement
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Nausea or full feeling
- Liquid or solid bowel movement in your child's underwear
- Blood on the toilet paper or bowel movement
How is constipation in children diagnosed? Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's bowel movements and examine him. He may take a sample of bowel movement from your child's rectum. Your child may need an x-ray of his abdomen. This will help your child's healthcare provider see if your child has constipation. How can I help manage my child's constipation? - Increase the amount of liquids your child drinks. Liquids can help keep your child's bowel movements soft. Ask how much liquid your child needs to drink and what liquids are best for him. Limit sports drinks, soda, and other caffeinated drinks.
- Feed your child a variety of high-fiber foods. This may help decrease constipation by adding bulk and softness to your child's bowel movements. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Ask your child's healthcare provider for more information about a high-fiber diet.
- Help your child be active. Regular physical activity can help stimulate your child's intestines. Talk to your child's healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for your child.
- Set up a regular time each day for your child to have a bowel movement. This may help train your child's body to have regular bowel movements. Help him to sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes at the same time each day, even if he does not have a bowel movement. Do not pressure your young child to have a bowel movement.
- Give your child a warm bath. A warm bath at least once a day can help relax his rectum. This can make it easier for him to have a bowel movement.
When should I seek immediate care? - You see blood in your child's diaper or bowel movement.
- Your child's abdomen is swollen.
- Your child does not want to eat or drink.
- Your child has severe abdominal or rectal pain.
- Your child is vomiting.
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Management tips do not help your child to have regular bowel movements.
- It has been longer than usual between your child's bowel movements.
- Your child has an upset stomach.
- You have any questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
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