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Constipation |
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What is constipation?
Constipation is an abnormal pattern of bowel
movements in which stools are passed less
frequently than usual and are often harder
than usual. Everyone has a different normal
pattern. For example, some children, have
bowel movements only once every 2-4 days.
Others have bowel movements every 2-4 times
daily. However, a child is constipated
whenever his/her pattern slows down
noticeably.
What causes constipation?
Very rarely, disease causes constipation. In
this case the problem usually begins in the
early weeks of life. In most children there is
no disease but once constipation begins it
tends to continue.
Some of the factors that may contribute to
the onset of constipation are:
- Poor eating habits, lack of bulk foods (
cereals, vegetables, fruits) and an excess
of sweet junk foods in the diet.
- Poor bowel habits, problems with toilet
training and at times, unwillingness to
spend time on the toilet.
- Small tears ( fissures) at the bowel
opening ( anus), causing pain at the time of
bowel movements.
- Some medications such as iron.
- Illness ( vomiting, diarrhea, fever) in
which a lot of fluids have been lost.
How do I prevent
constipation?
- Make sure that your child's diet
contains adequate fluids and foods that act
as natural laxatives ( Fruit juices, fruits
( particularly prunes), raw vegetables and
salads, cereals ( particularly bran).
- When your child is old enough ( about 2
1/2 to 3 years old) help him/her establish
regular bowel habits. Have your child spend
a few minutes on the toilet or the "potty"
once or twice daily immediately after meals.
The position should be comfortable with
knees up. For a small child using the toilet
a foot rest will be necessary so the legs
don't hang down and the knees are up in a
crouched position. Such a position eases
bowel movement.
What should I do?
- If your child has severe pain during a
bowel movement, there may be a tear
(fissure) at the bowel opening ( anus). Call
his or her doctor.
- If the pain is severe, your child's
doctor may want to use a medicine to soften
your child's stool or an ointment around the
anus. Occasionally it is necessary to wash
out the restrained stool with an enema.
- Be patient. Improvement may be slow and
it can take several weeks of active
treatment before your child returns to his
or her normal bowel pattern.
- Always ask your child's doctor before
giving a laxative.
Do not punish your child if he or she does
not have a bowel movement or if he/she soils
his/her underclothes.
When should I call the
doctor?
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child's general health seems to be
affected
- There is blood on the stool
- Your child can not pass a bowel movement
after 4 days
- Your child loses some control of his/her
bowel actions and begins to soil
underclothes.
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