What is constipation?
Constipation is characterized by difficult, painful, infrequent bowel movements. A child experiencing constipation has an urge to pass a bowel movement but is unable to, even after straining and pushing for more than ten minutes. If your child does not have a bowel movement for three or more days, it is best to assume they are constipated; although no discomfort is present. There is an exception. Breast-fed infants have normal, large, infrequent bowel movements with no pain after two months or so of life (up to seven days is not abnormal).
What causes constipation?
If your child does not eat enough fiber rich foods, he or she may experience constipation. Drinking or eating a lot of mil products or repeatedly waiting too long to use the bathroom, can also cause constipation. Some children may hold back due to the memory of a painful bowel movement. If constipation occurs during toilet-training, the parent may be applying to much pressure psychologically.
Eating fiber rich foods usually relieves constipation. Once your child is better, keep them on a diet that will prevent constipation from occurring again.
How can I take care of my child?
Infants less than one-years old
If your infant is over two months old, give them fruit juices, such as apple juice two times a day. Babies over six months old should be given fiber rich foods, such as apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, beans and peas. Also give them barley or oatmeal cereal instead of rice. Two to four ounces of juice daily is an adequate amount.
Children over one-years old
Be sure your child eats raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables like peaches, pears, dates, raisins, prunes, beans, peas, apricots, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Also add more bran to their daily diet. Examples of bran foods: oatmeal, graham crackers, whole wheat bread, bran flakes and brown rice. Children over four years old can eat popcorn. Popcorn is one of best high-fiber foods. Limit the amount of foods that cause constipation, like milk, yogurt, cooked carrots, ice cream and cheese. Also, increase the amount of fruit juice.
If dietary changes do not help, stool softeners can also relieve constipation. You should give your child a stool softener with dinner each night for a week. Stool softeners usually begin to work eight to 12 hours after they are taken. We recommend Miralax. For children five years old and older, apply one teaspoon of Miralax into 8 ounces of liquid.
In addition, allow your child to sit on the toilet for ten minutes following each meal. This can help to establish a regular bowel pattern.
Remember:
- Never give your child an oral laxative or use suppositories or enemas without consulting their physician. Enemas and suppositories can stimulate irritation or tears of the anus. This in turn causes discomfort and stool holding. Oral laxatives can cause cramps.
- To relieve rectal pain:
- Place your child in a warm bath. This will help to relax the muscle around the anus.
- Administer a glycerin suppository.
- Carefully put a lubricated thermometer in the anus for ten seconds. This will help stimulate the rectal muscle.
When should you call our office?
CALL IMMEDIATELY if:
- Your child begins to experience severe abdominal or rectal pain.
- You are using enemas or suppositories.
- Your child remains constipated three days after placing them on a non-constipating diet.
- You have any questions or concerns.