Constipation
What is constipation?
Constipation is a change in a child's bowel pattern, which includes harder stools
and longer periods between stools.
How Often Should My Child Have a Stool?
Children do not necessarily have a bowel movement every day. Many children have
a bowel movement only once every three or four days. This is normal if the stool
is soft and not painful when passed. A child's normal bowel pattern may change
according to his age and what he eats. Breast fed babies may have a bowel movement
with every feeding until one month of age. When changed to formula or milk, they
may have only one or two stools a day.
What About Straining?
When infants stool, many strain for short periods. Many make faces or turn red
while having a bowel movement. This is normal. Prolonged fussing, grunting or
crying is usually not due to constipation.
How is Constipation in Infants Treated?
- Occasional use of a glycerin suppository may be tried.
- If your infant is on solid foods, feed him extra cereals, vegetables and fruits.
- If your infant is not on solid foods, a change in formula can be tried but will
not help every infant.
- Consult your child's doctor if none of these measures works.
- Do not use laxatives, enemas or mineral oil without consulting your child's doctor.
How is Constipation Treated in Children?
- Treatment is aimed at softening the stool and increasing its bulk.
- Diet changes are key to successful treatment:
- Encourage lots of liquids, usually three to four glasses a day. At least one
glass should be a fruit juice such as apple, grape or prune. Restrict milk to
three glasses per day.
- An increase in high residue foods is strongly encouraged. This change in diet
will definitely keep the stools on the soft side. Such foods include natural bread
instead of white bread. Try to include one to two fruits and one to two green
vegetables a day in the diet.
- Mineral oil is a very effective stool softener. It can be used with fruit juices.
Consult your child's doctor before using mineral oil.
- Laxatives, other than mineral oil, are rarely needed. Enemas and suppositories
also should not be used for more than three days without consulting your child's
doctor. The routine use of laxatives/suppositories will make your child dependent
on them.
When Should I Call My Child's Doctor?
Without proper treatment, childhood constipation problems tend to get worse.
It is important that you work closely with your child's doctor so that a small
problem now does not become a big problem later. If after three to five days of
home treatment your child does not develop a regular pattern of soft, non-painful
stools, consult your child's doctor.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta provides information on constipation as a guideline. It is not intended to replace
consultation with your physician. Always consult your child's doctor or other
health care provider whenever your child may require diagnosis or treatment.
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