Chronic Constipation in Children

Constipation is a condition characterized by hard feces, which are difficult to pass and lesser or infrequent bowel movements. However, infrequent bowel movement in children may not be a big problem, as long as the stool is soft and not hard to pass. Generally, constipation is a common condition among children, which often goes away on its own without any medical treatment. But, if the situation lasts for more than a week or two, and your child is experiencing pain and difficulty while passing stool, then medical intervention may be required. This is a chronic condition, known as chronic constipation. Chronic constipation in children can be caused by several factors and give rise to many complications.

Causes of Chronic Constipation in Children
One of the most common causes of constipation both in children and adults is insufficient intake of water and other fluids like milk. Sometimes constipation can be caused by a change in diet like substituting breast milk or baby formula by cow's milk. Many children can develop constipation due to allergy to cows' milk. A poor eating habit can be another contributing factor for constipation in children. Children who prefers to eat more fat and refined sugar products and less of fiber rich diet like fruits and vegetables are more prone to chronic constipation.

Many times, it has been observed that children tend to hold back the urge to have bowel movement. This results in building up of large and hard feces in the lower bowel or rectum, causing constipation. There can be several reasons behind such such type of child behavior. As for example, a previous experience of difficulty and pain while passing stool, early toilet training, or dislike for public toilets may induce a child to ignore the urge for bowel movement. Rarely, chronic constipation in children and infants can be caused by certain diseases like hypothyroidism, bowel disorders or metabolic and gastrointestinal problems.

Symptoms of Chronic Constipation in Children
The most common symptoms of chronic constipation are hard feces, difficulty and pain while passing stool and no bowel movements for several days consecutively. Constipation can cause abdominal pain, bloating and nausea. Passing of hard stool can cause anal fissures or cracks in the skin around the anus. Sometimes, red coloration or blood spots can be observed on the surface of the hard stool. One of the most important facts about chronic constipation in children is that sometimes, a small amount of liquid stool can be found in the undergarments. This condition is known as encopresis, which can be often confused with diarrhea. But, it is actually caused by the obstruction of stool in the rectum.

Treatment for Chronic Constipation in Children
Drinking plenty of water and making some dietary changes such as including more cereals and other foods high in fiber can be very effective in alleviating chronic constipation. But, these measures may take some time, and in the mean time, you may need to consult a physician to help your child get relief from this painful and uncomfortable condition. Physicians usually prescribe mild laxatives to clear the blocked stool in the rectum. However, adequate precautions are required to be taken while administering laxatives to children. Sometimes, an enema may also be required to clear large and hard feces accumulated in the rectum.

However, laxative and enemas cannot be used continuously for a very long time. Constipation can affect individuals from any age group. Constipation in the long run can give rise to many complications like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction and rectal prolapse. Therefore, changes in dietary habit and drinking lots of fluid would go a long way in alleviating chronic constipation in children. An ideal diet for constipation should include lots of fruits and vegetables that contain fiber. Proper bowel habit training and knowledge about the adverse effects of holding back the urge to defecate can also play an important role in preventing constipation in children.