Constipation in toddlers is common. Normal toddlers pass the stool one to two times a day. If your toddler is constipated, then the bowel movements are less frequent than usual. In this, the stools are painful, too hard to pass. Stools appear hard, lumpy.
Symptoms
- Bowel movements are less than the usual.
- Bowel movements are difficult to pass, hard or dry
- Large-diameter stools
- Pain while bowel movement
- Blood on the of hard stool
If you see these symptoms in your toddlers, then your child is constipated. Also, they afraid to have bowel movement hurt, sometimes they try to avoid it. You can notice this when your child crossing his legs, clenching his buttocks, twisting his body, or making faces when attempting to hold stool.
As constipation is not a serious problem, but if its continue more than 2 weeks than its chronic constipation and need to visit the doctor. Also, Chronic constipation is also accompanied by:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal swelling
- Weight loss
- Painful tears in the skin around the anus
Cause:
- Diet Change: Improper diet, with inadequate fiber, leads to constipation. If the child switching from an all-liquid diet to one that includes solid foods leads to constipation.
- Withholding: Your child sometimes ignores the urge of bowel movement because doesn’t want to take a break from play or afraid of the toilet. Some children are not comfortable using public toilets when they are away from home and they withhold bowel movement.
- Medication: Taking antidepressants or medicine also leads to constipation.
- Milk Allergy: If a child is allergic to cow’s milk then this will also the cause of constipation
- Genetic Problem: Because of shared genetic, if a family member has experienced constipation, there is a possibility that a toddler may suffer from constipation.
Complications:
Constipation may be uncomfortable, but it’s not serious. But if it’s chronic constipation then there are some complication which includes:
- If there is a painful break in the skin around the anus then it is complicated.
- Rectum comes out of the anus
- Withholding Stool
- Encopresis
Treatment:
- Diet: Make sure your child takes an adequate amount of high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole-grain cereals and bread. Also, give several grams of fiber to prevent gas and bloating.
- Liquid Diet: Encourage your diet to drink plenty of water and take a liquid diet. Drinking water is often best for health.
- Physical Activity: Make sure your toddler not spending too much time on gadgets. Physical activity helps to stimulate normal bowel function. Engage your child in physical activities at least 30-60 min.
- Soften The Stool: To soften the stool strict medical supervision and regular follow-ups are needed. Once the diet becomes normal, then the given medication should be discontinued.
- Medication: If your child taking some medicine which causes constipation, then take advice from your doctor for another option.
- Don’t Ignore Nature’s Call: Some children avoid the urge of Bowel movement. If this type of delay occurs, it will lead to constipation.
Parents, don’t ignore the symptoms of toddler constipation. Notice each and every activity of your toddlers before a simple constipation becomes chronic constipation.
