Constipation (children)

Table of Contents

Other names

Pediatric Constipation
Slow Bowel Movements in Children
Childhood Bowel Irregularity
Functional Constipation

Synopsis

Constipation in children is a common condition where bowel movements are infrequent, hard, or difficult to pass. It can cause pain, abdominal bloating, irritability, and in some cases, stool withholding behaviors where children avoid using the toilet because of previous painful experiences. While it often resolves with simple dietary and lifestyle changes, persistent constipation can lead to complications like fecal impaction, rectal bleeding, or encopresis (involuntary stool leakage).

Constipation in children is often functional (not caused by a disease) and triggered by low-fiber diets, poor hydration, fear of painful bowel movements, changes in routine (e.g., toilet training, school schedules), or emotional stress. Occasionally, it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, which requires further evaluation.

Types of Constipation in Children:

  • Functional Constipation: Most common; no identifiable medical cause.

  • Organic Constipation: Caused by conditions like hypothyroidism, Hirschsprung's disease, or celiac disease (less common).

  • Behavioral Stool Retention: Due to fear of painful defecation or toileting anxiety.

Common Causes:

  • Low fiber intake (processed foods, picky eating habits)

  • Inadequate fluid intake

  • Sedentary behavior (screen time over physical activity)

  • Stress or emotional changes (starting school, moving, family issues)

  • Poor toilet habits (ignoring the urge to go)

  • Illnesses leading to dehydration (fever, viral infections)

  • Early or rushed toilet training

Severity Factors:

  • Longer duration of constipation increases risk of fecal impaction.

  • Chronic withholding can stretch the rectum, reducing natural signals to defecate.

  • Severe cases may cause emotional distress, stomachaches, and poor appetite.

When to See a Doctor:

  • Constipation lasting more than two weeks

  • Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding

  • Abdominal swelling, vomiting, or severe pain

  • Weight loss or poor growth

  • Fever associated with constipation

  • Signs of fecal impaction (large, hard stool in rectum)

Natural Remedies

Increase dietary fiber: Offer fruits (especially pears, prunes, apples), vegetables, and whole grains.

Hydration: Encourage water consumption throughout the day.

Regular toileting routine: Encourage sitting on the toilet after meals (using a footstool to support proper posture).

Positive reinforcement: Praise and encouragement without punishment or pressure.

Limit constipating foods: Such as excessive dairy, white bread, and processed snacks.

Physical activity: Encourage active play to stimulate gut motility.

Natural stool softeners: Like prune puree, apple juice, or a little flaxseed mixed into food (if tolerated).

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat this condition.

pomegranate
quercetin
spirulina
turmeric
vitamin C
zinc
aloe vera
anthocyanins
blueberry
bilberry
black currant
chlorella
fennel
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea