As parents, we work hard to protect the health and welfare of our kids. Constipation is a frequent intestinal problem that can impact children, making parents uncomfortable and worried. At Al Hilal Hospitals, we are aware of the difficulties in treating childhood constipation and offer specialized therapy to deliver prompt relief.
Symptoms of Constipation in Children
Children of all ages, from infants to teenagers, can experience constipation. The following are typical signs of constipation in kids:
- Infrequent Bowel Movements: Infrequent bowel movements are one of the main symptoms of constipation. Children could have trouble passing stools, and their regular pattern of bowel motions might drastically change in terms of frequency.
- Hard and Dry feces: Children with constipation frequently pass pebble-like, hard, and dry feces. These feces could be hard to pass, making bowel movements painful and uncomfortable.
- Abdominal Pain: Children who are constipated may feel pain, cramping, or bloating in their abdomens. They might complain of a stomach ache, which could get worse during or right after trying to pass feces.
- Excessive Straining During Bowel Movements: Children who are constipated may exert excessive effort when attempting to urinate. They may exert pressure or push, but little or no feces will usually emerge.
- Withholding Stools: Some kids may purposefully withhold their bowel movements out of discomfort, fear, or anxiety after having previously passed hard stools. This withholding may make constipation worse.
- Modifications in Stool look: A constipated child’s stools may take on a different look. Stools could grow abnormally big, lumpy, or be challenging to flush.
- Faecal Smearing: Due to retained feces, children who are constipated may accidentally stain their pants with small amounts of stool.
- Loss of Appetite: Prolonged constipation can cause a child to lose appetite since the retained feces may make them feel bloated or uncomfortable.
- General Discomfort: Due to the discomfort they are feeling, constipated children may appear agitated, angry, or fussy.
- Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances: Some kids may become fatigued and have trouble sleeping as a result of their discomfort and abdominal pain from constipation.
Schedule a Pediatric Consultation: If your child is experiencing constipation, trust Al Hilal Hospitals for expert pediatric care.
Common Causes of Constipation in Kids
Constipation in children can result from a number of factors, such as:
- Dietary Factors: Consuming too much processed food, not drinking enough water, and not getting enough fiber can all cause constipation.
- Toilet Training: During the potty training process, some kids may refuse to use the toilet, which can result in withholding stools.
- Lack of Exercise: Sedentary or inactive lifestyles might affect bowel movements.
- Fear or Anxiety: Children who are emotionally stressed or anxious about using the restroom may hold their stools.
- Medications: A number of drugs, including certain painkillers and iron supplements, can cause constipation.
- Medical Issues: Children’s constipation may infrequently be a sign of an underlying medical problem.
Our skilled pediatric doctors at Al Hilal Hospitals are knowledgeable about treating constipation in children.Contact us to make an appointment.
Treatment for Constipation in Children
The following are some typical treatments for constipation in kids:
- Dietary Changes: Including fiber-rich foods in the child’s diet will help soften stools and encourage regular bowel movements. Promote the consumption of fresh produce, whole grains, legumes, and fruits. To stay hydrated, make sure the child drinks enough water throughout the day.
- Establish a regular bathroom pattern and encourage your youngster to use the restroom at the same time each day. Setting up a regular regimen can assist in controlling bowel movements.
- Exercise: To encourage bowel motions, encourage exercise and playtime. Promoting overall digestive health is one of the benefits of exercise.
- Reassure the youngster and foster a good environment if they are experiencing fear or anxiety about using the restroom. When teaching a child to use the toilet, avoid using punishment or pressure.
- Laxatives or stool softeners: Pediatricians may advise administering mild laxatives or stool softeners to temporarily ease bowel motions. These ought to be used under a healthcare provider’s supervision.
- Suppositories or enemas: To relieve impacted stools in severe episodes of constipation, a pediatrician may prescribe suppositories or enemas. These should only be used when a doctor is present.
- Behavioral Therapy: Counseling or behavioral therapy may be beneficial for kids who have difficulty with withholding or other behavioral causes of constipation.
- Medication Review: If the child is receiving drugs that can make them constipated, the doctor may change the dosage or look into other suitable drugs.
- Toilet Training Advice: For parents of younger children, toilet training advice may be given to support regular bowel movements.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: If a child’s constipation is brought on by a specific medical condition, such as thyroid issues or Hirschsprung’s disease, that condition will be treated.
Comprehensive Care for Your Child: Al Hilal Healthcare offers comprehensive care and support for all your child’s healthcare needs.
Preventive Measures:
Take into consideration the following precautions to avoid childhood constipation:
- Promote a fibre- and water-rich balanced diet.
- Encourage fun and frequent exercise.
- Encourage a happy and laid-back atmosphere throughout potty training.
- Follow a regular bathroom schedule.
- Take care of any mental or behavioral issues that could be causing your constipation.
It is crucial to seek medical assistance if constipation starts to reoccur or if the child’s symptoms continue after using home treatments. This will allow for a complete assessment and the best course of treatment. Children can overcome constipation and maintain regular bowel habits with the help of early intervention and efficient treatment. Call us at Al Hilal Hospitals to make an appointment.
Quick Relief and Home Remedies
You might try these home treatments for children who experience periodic constipation for prompt relief:
- Hydration: To keep their stools soft and easy to pass, encourage your child to consume lots of water throughout the day.
- Fiber-Rich Foods: Include fiber-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, in your child’s diet.
- Regular Toilet Routine: Encourage your child to use the toilet at the same time each day by establishing a regular toilet routine.
- Exercise: To encourage bowel motions, encourage exercise and playtime.
- Warm Baths: A warm bath can ease bowel movements and soothe the abdominal muscles.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Even though a little constipation can usually be treated at home, sometimes it requires medical assistance. Speak with a paediatrician if
- Despite using home cures, constipation lasts a long time.
- During bowel motions, your child is in excruciating pain or bleeding.
- The bowel habits or concomitant symptoms suddenly alter.
Expert Care at Al Hilal Hospitals
Constipation in children can be a common worry, but with the right care and direction, it can be properly handled. At Al Hilal Hospitals, we put your child’s health and comfort first and provide skilled treatment for constipation in kids. Our skilled pediatric professionals are committed to offering compassionate, individualized care to support regular, pleasant bowel movements. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us and arrange a consultation at Al Hilal Hospitals if your child is having constipation.
