Why is constipation in children and what should parents do in this case?

 

A very common problem in children is 'constipation'. It's hard to find a parent who hasn't had this problem with their child. If the child does not go to the toilet more than three times a week or has pain and discomfort while going to the toilet, then the child is considered to be constipated. Constipation is more common in children between the ages of three and five years. But even younger children can have this problem. Let's find out from a pediatrician why children have constipation problems and what parents can do about it.

Because

1. Not eating properly

If the baby is fed colostrum and it is not prepared properly, the baby becomes constipated. In many cases, due to a lack of awareness, mothers feed the baby with very diluted milk. But if the milk is diluted, it does not contain enough nutrients, so the baby's stool cannot be formed. In addition, children who have started eating other foods than milk, if the amount of fiber in their food is not sufficient, will become constipated. Constipation can also be caused by eating less or not eating vegetables and fruits.

Why are children constipated?

2. Drink less water

If the child is fed less water than the amount, he will suffer from constipation. Drinking less water is normal for the body to become dehydrated.

3. Do not practice

It is better to train the child to use the toilet on time every day. Because irregular diapering or lack of habit can easily cause constipation in the baby.

4. Fear

Once a child is constipated, they develop a fear of going to the toilet. In that way, I understand that it will be difficult to go to Potti again. Thinking of this, he tries to hold back the stool. This results in constipation.

5. Illness

Certain diseases can cause constipation. These include-

• Fissures or sores in the anus
• Abnormal structure of the rectum or anus
• Intestinal obstruction
• Hersprung's disease
• Decreased function of thyroid gland etc
• Toilet training of children

6. Medicines

Some medications cause constipation. Such as antihistamine drugs, stomach ache drugs, etc. Besides, if the child is made to toilet repeatedly with purgative medicine for constipation, the child naturally becomes dependent on it. Constipation then persists.

Symptoms of constipation in children

• Pain during bowel movements
• to cry
• Hard or scanty bowel movements
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• nausea
• bleeding
• Loss of appetite

To be done

• After birth, the baby should be exclusively breastfed till the age of six months
• If feeding formula milk, it should be prepared and fed properly
• After six months, care should be taken to ensure that there is enough fiber and water in the baby's complementary food along with breast milk
• From the age of one year, the baby should be given water in the morning on an empty stomach and must be potty trained before breakfast

• Care should be taken to ensure that there is enough protein, fiber, calcium, and water in the daily diet of the child
• Children must be provided with at least one hour of sports every day
• It is also important to practice things like housework and doing one's chores, it will exercise, improve digestion, and keep the stomach clean.
• It is better not to eat junk food from outside and excessive amounts of red meat
• Along with this, the child's mental tranquility should be ensured

If constipation in children is severe, a doctor should be consulted. Parents can easily get rid of this unwanted problem of the child if they are a little aware. That's it for today. Everyone will be fine.