Constipation in children is a common problem. While children of all ages can be affected, constipation occurs more often during potty training and in younger school-aged children. A child is typically considered to be constipated if he has infrequent bowels movements (less than 3 per week) or is experiencing hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass. Most cases of constipation can be easily remedied if addressed right away, however constipation can sometimes be a symptom of intestinal disease or other medical condition.
While every child is different, there are some common symptoms that can occur that should alert you to the possibility of your child being constipated. Symptoms include:
Children can become constipated for a variety of reasons. Some factors that may contribute to a child’s constipation are:
Constipation that lasts for more than a few days can result in the back up of stool in the large intestine causing it to stretch. When the intestine is stretched, it is unable to function properly, which causes pain. Children often withhold bowel movements because of pain that worsens the problem. Acute cases of constipation can typically be treated at home with one or more of these remedies:
If your child is experiencing chronic constipation, or none of the home measures work, you should contact your doctor.
If your child is past the potty training stage and is having stooling accidents, he may be experiencing a side effect of constipation called encopresis.
Children who have chronic constipation sometimes begin to have bathroom accidents and soil their underwear. This condition is called encopresis. Stool retention in the colon causes the intestinal walls and the nerves within them to stretch. Stretching can diminish the nerve sensations, therefore making it difficult for the child to recognize when he needs to go to the bathroom. When the rectum becomes too full, the sphincter (the muscular valve that keeps the stool inside the rectum) is unable to hold in the stool. While larger, hard feces stays in place, liquid or softer stool may pass into the underwear. The child is often unaware of the soiling due to the decreased sensation.
Encopresis is often mistaken for a lack of self-control or an unwillingness to use the bathroom. Parents can become frustrated with a child who seems indifferent to the odor; however, the child’s brain may actually become accustomed to the smell. Children experiencing encopresis can become anxious, withdrawn, angry, or depressed due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
If your child is having bathroom accidents, or you suspect that your child may be suffering from encopresis, it is important that it be addressed as soon as possible.
Encopresis is a condition that involves both the physiological and psychological aspects of a child. The earlier treatment is started, the easier encopresis is to overcome. Treatment usually includes:
If you would like more information about gastrointestinal (GI) digestive disorders and nutrition in children, please contact Dr. Mona Dave’s Frisco Office.