Does your little one have constipation too? (Toddler Constipation) Let's talk about this!

Moms and dads, has your little one not pooped properly for a few days? Or does he cry when he poops, or does he have difficulty pooping? It's normal to feel very scared when you see things like this. It's common for young children to get constipated like this. But it's very important for us to be aware of this.

What is Toddler Constipation?

Simply put, constipation is when your little one has fewer bowel movements than usual. Not all babies are the same, but if they have fewer than two bowel movements a week, we consider them constipated. When they do have bowel movements, they can often be dry, lumpy, or in large pieces. They can also be difficult and painful to pass.

But don't be alarmed by this. Most of the time, constipation in young children doesn't last long. It's usually nothing to worry about. Very rarely, it's a symptom of another serious underlying condition.

Who is most affected by constipation?

According to statistics, about 20% of young children may experience constipation at any given time. This condition is especially common in:

• Among boys.
• Among children with developmental delays or behavioral problems.
• Among children who have been diagnosed with a health condition related to the anus or rectum.
• During toilet training.

How do I know if my little one is constipated?

Your little one may not be able to tell you straight away that they are constipated, so you should be the one to look out for these signs:

• Defecating less than twice a week.
• The stools are dry, lumpy, and hard like stones. Sometimes they can be large pieces, difficult to pass, and painful. Imagine how much pain a small child would go through when they had such difficulty passing stools.
• Unusual postures and movements. For example, standing on tiptoes or dancing. These may be things they do to avoid or delay defecation.
• Conditions such as stomach ache, bloating, or swelling.
• Nausea.
• A little blood in the stool.
• Diarrhea-like stool stains on underwear. This happens when a little liquid stool leaks out from under the hard stool that is trapped inside. We call this ``overflow diarrhea''.

What causes constipation in young children?

Often, young children become constipated because they are holding in their stool.When this happens, their large intestine (colon) absorbs more water, making the stool dry, hard, and difficult to pass. There are several reasons why young children may have stool retention:

• Their reluctance to stop what they are doing, like playing.
• Embarrassment or discomfort in using a public bathroom, especially in a public place.
• Because it hurt when I defecated before, I'm afraid it will hurt when I defecate again.
• Anxiety or fear about learning to use the toilet .
• Maybe they are not developmentally ready for toilet training yet. Imagine, when Nilanthi Akka's daughter, Ura Ti Nimali, started toilet training, she kept saying she couldn't poop for a while. It was only later that I realized she was a little scared.

In addition to these, there are other causes that can affect constipation:

• Eating a diet low in fiber.
• Not getting enough fluids.
• Use of certain medications .
• Conditions such as Hirschsprung disease or celiac disease.
• Birth defects such as spina bifida.
• Health conditions that affect metabolism, such as diabetes.
• Diseases that affect hormones, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).
• Diseases that cause loss of appetite.
• Stress caused by starting school, changes in routine, changes in weather, or traveling.

How does a doctor diagnose constipation?

To find out if your child is constipated, your doctor will ask you about your child's symptoms and medical history. Then they will do a physical examination. Your doctor may ask you about:

• The child's toilet habits and bowel movements.
• Diet and eating habits.
• Details about toilet training.
• Other health problems (if any).
• Medication used (if any).

During a physical exam, the doctor will feel the child's abdomen. They will check to see if the abdomen is swollen, painful to the touch, or if there is anything stuck, such as a lump. Sometimes the child's rectum may also be examined to see if there is any bleeding or if there is anything stuck.

What tests are done to diagnose constipation?

Most of the time, your child won't need any special tests to diagnose constipation. However, if your doctor thinks that the cause of the constipation is an underlying condition, he or she may order some tests. For example:

• Abdominal X-ray: This can be used to check for stool that is stuck in the child's large intestine.
• Blood tests:For example, a test like a ``complete blood count`` can identify the symptoms of some diseases.
• Stool test: A stool sample can be tested to see if there is an infection or blood.
• Urine test: Check for bladder infections.
• Bowel function test: This can check how well stool moves through the intestines.
• Rectal biopsy: A small piece of tissue is taken from the end of the rectum and examined under a microscope.

What complications can occur if constipation persists?

Constipation in young children usually doesn't last long. However, when bowel movements are missed, that is, left untreated, some complications can occur:

• Fecal impaction: Hard stool becomes so hard that it becomes lodged in the child's intestines and rectum that the child cannot push it out. It's like something stuck in a pipe.
• Encopresis: The inability to control bowel movements, which can cause the stool to leak into the underwear without realizing it.
• Anal fissures: Small cracks and sores develop in the child's anus. This can cause bleeding, itching, and pain.
• Rectal prolapse: Part of the child's rectum protrudes through the anal opening.
• Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins inside a child's rectum or around the anal opening.

What are the things you can do at home for constipation? (Treatment)

If your little one is constipated, you can often find relief with simple things you can do at home. Here are some of the home remedies you can try:

• Dietary changes: Give your child more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables . Things like spinach, kale, collard greens, papaya, bananas (well-ripened), and mangoes are great.
• Hydration: Make sure your child drinks plenty of water. If you are giving fruit juice, ask your doctor about it. Some fruit juices can help with constipation.
• Maintain a routine: Get your child used to going to the toilet regularly, especially after a meal. You can even try using a reward system to encourage your child.
• Pause toilet training for a while: It may be best to pause toilet training for a while until your child's constipation improves.

Remember, don't force your child to do these things. Encourage them with love and kindness.

What foods should not be given to a small child when they are constipated?

Foods that are low in fiber or completely devoid of fiber should be avoided in a young child with constipation. For example:

• ice cream
• Bananas (raw or barely ripe)
• Applesauce (`Applesauce`)
• Rice (especially white rice)
• Fast food
• Potato chips
• Cheese
• Prepared foods
• Processed foods
• Giving too much fresh cow's milk (`whole milk`).

What medicine can a doctor prescribe for constipation?

You should definitely talk to a doctor before giving your child any medication for constipation. Depending on your doctor's advice, you may be asked to use medications such as:

• `Probiotics`
• Fiber supplements
• Electrolyte solutions
• Stool softeners
• Laxatives
• Glycerin suppositories - These are small capsules of medicine that are inserted into the rectum.
• Enemas - This is also a method of introducing a liquid through the rectum to help expel stool.

Never give your child this type of medication without the advice of a doctor.

How to prevent constipation in young children?

If you follow these tips, you can go a long way toward preventing your little one from becoming constipated:

• Diet: Make sure your child gets enough fiber in their diet. This means giving them more fruits, vegetables, and greens. Ask your doctor about switching to lower-fat dairy products.
• Water: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water. Talk to your doctor about giving him other fluids, such as fruit juice.
• A specific time: Create a habit of going to the toilet at a specific time.
• Physical activity: Encourage your child to exercise and play regularly. Running and jumping also improves bowel function.

What is the doctors' opinion (prognosis) about constipation?

Constipation is usually temporary and treatable. With proper care, such as feeding and hydration, your child will be able to have regular bowel movements again.

However, constipation can get worse if left untreated. When your little one's stools stay in their intestines, they become larger, harder, and drier. This makes them more difficult and painful to pass. So your child will try to avoid having another bowel movement.

When do you need to see a doctor?

If constipation does not improve after a few days or more than two weeks of home treatment, you should definitely take your child to a doctor. Your child may need further treatment.

When is constipation in young children an emergency?

If your little one has constipation and a fever, see a doctor right away. Also, if they have any of these symptoms, call a doctor right away:

• Vomiting
• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in their stool
• Swollen belly / abdomen
• Constant abdominal pain
• Weight loss

Having symptoms like these could be a sign of a serious condition, so it is very important to seek medical advice quickly.

The most important thing to keep in mind (Take-Home Message)

It's hard for a parent to see their little one suffering from constipation. But the good news is that constipation is often temporary. By making small changes to your child's diet and routine, you can quickly provide relief.

However, if home remedies don't help , don't be afraid to see a doctor without delay. Sometimes young children may need special treatment. Your child's health is the most important thing!

` Constipation, young children, baby, poop, stool, digestion, health