Constipation is a very common problem among children. All kids have different bathroom habits; therefore, bowel problems vary from child to child just as they do for adults. Most children have bowel movements approximately 1 or 2 times a day and other children can go 2 to 3 days longer without passing a normal stool.
General signs of constipation include:
Children who are constipated may have stools that are hard, dry, and difficult or painful to pass. These may occur daily or be less frequent than others. Constipation can oftentimes be caused by his or her diet. Also, some medicines can cause occasional constipation in children.
In some cases, children might be withholding to avoid pain of passing a stool. This is common among kids around ages 2 and 5 years. To treat and prevent constipation, try giving your kid more liquids in his or her diet. Drinking enough water and other liquids helps stools move more easily through the intestines. Also, serving high-fiber foods (like fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads) can help prevent constipation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children between the ages 2 and 19 years old eat a daily amount of fiber that equals their age, plus an additional 5 grams. Eating a healthy amount of fiber is important, but too much can cause diarrhea, gas, bloating, and constipation. Another helpful factor in preventing constipation is making certain your child is getting enough exercise. Physical activity nudges the bowels into action, and it can be simple as playing catch, riding bikes, or shooting a few hoops.
These small changes help most kids feel better and usually prevent constipation. Although constipation can cause discomfort and pain, it's usually temporary and can be treated. If you have concerns about your child's bowel movements, make an appointment with your pediatrician.
