Kid constipation

Childhood constipation a big problem

Constipation isn’t just a problem for adults: it’s thought that one child in four will suffer from it at some point, due to not eating enough fiber or fruits and vegetables, not wanting to use unfamiliar bathrooms and ignoring the urge to go while playing.

And a recent study suggests that constipation can lead to serious health issues and skyrocketing costs, to the tune of nearly four billion dollars a year – that equals the cost of treating childhood asthma or even ADHD. The study’s author, Carlo Di Lorenzo, MD at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, says parents don’t realize constipation can be just as serious. It can result in pain, problems at school, and sometimes the need for surgery. Trouble is, if children have difficulty going to the bathroom they often end up ‘holding on’ – which worsens the problem and makes it even more painful to pass a bowel movement. “Children have a very concrete way of thinking. If something doesn’t feel good, they think, ‘I’ll never do that again,” says Dr Di Lorenzo.

The good news is, most of the time, childhood constipation can be treated with simple changes in diet and behavior. As a rule, your child should pass a bowel movement at least every other day. Ensuring that he consumes plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grain cereal and bread should help – these contain fiber, which bulks up stools and makes them easier to pass. He also needs to drink plenty of water to soften the stools. If you find out your child hasn’t gone for three to four days, try prune or apple juice, or even a warm bath.

Over the counter stool softeners or laxatives made for children can also help as a temporary measure – ask your pharmacist or pediatrician for advice on which is best. 

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