CONSTIPATION

Constipation is very common problem among children. Constipation means difficulty in passing stools. This occurs when your child have 2 bowel movements or less than that each week.

Causes

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Stress
• Travelling
• Lack of exercise
• Overuse of laxatives
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypercalcemia
• Colon cancer
• Spinal cord injuries
• Piles
• Anal fissures    

Signs and symptoms

• Sensation of abdominal fullness
• Bloating of abdomen
• Straining requires to pass the stools
• Sometimes little blood on the toilet paper

   

Management

• Make your child to go daily for stools at defined time
• Give more fluids to your child
• Give foods that are rich in fiber (e.g., fruits and vegetables)
• Regular exercise

Prevention

• Avoid burgers, fries, milk shakes
• Avoid candy, cookies, sugary soft drinks)
• Tell your child to go to the bathroom and sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes daily  at the same time, sooner after a meal
• Give more fluids to your child
• Give fruits that are rich in fiber (e.g., guava and banana)
• Give vegetables that are rich in fiber (e.g., green vegetables)
• Regular exercise