Like adults, kids get constipated for the usual reasons — either they’re ignoring their body signals to pass a stool or are not consuming sufficient fluids and fiber. Your kid might have a difficult time passing stools and would then feel the need to avoid a bowel movement due to the pain, which then starts a vicious cycle. Your kid’s stools then get harder and bigger, making it more difficult to pass, until such time that constipation sets in.
Other Reasons Kids Won’t Do The Number Two
Kids might likewise avoid passing stools due to the following reasons:
- They’re embarrassed;
- They don’t like to stop what they’re doing just to go to the bathroom;
- They’re anxious about toilet training;
- They don’t like using other bathrooms; or
- They’re used to resisting the urge to go to the bathroom.
How to Alleviate Constipation in Kids
The first thing you need to do to help ease your kid’s pain is by ensuring that he’s drinking sufficient fluids and are getting enough fiber from his diet. Some kids might require behavior modification, especially those who are used to withholding their stools. To help prevent constipation and encourage proper bathroom habits, make certain that your kid is relaxed when going to the bathroom, and never rush him. Encourage him to head to the bathroom whenever he feels the need to go even if he’s not sure he’s going to be able to pass a stool.
Constipation Remedies You Can Try at Home
Before you panic and rush to the nearest urgent care center in Pleasant View, you can try certain remedies at home to deal with your kid’s constipation. First and foremost, make sure your kid drinks at least four or more full glasses of water every single — the more water, the better.
You should likewise make certain that he’s consuming fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, whole grains, and fruits to help soften his stools and making his bowel movements more regular. Refrain from giving your kid too much junk food, sodas, and fast foods, as these will slow down his digestion and even make him more constipated. If these home remedies fail to work, you will have to ask your kid’s doctor if you can give your kid a mild stool softener or laxative.
When to Take Your Kid to The Doctor
Keep in mind that all kids will experience constipation at some point in their life. But while constipation is not something that you should be overly concerned about, it could sometimes indicate an underlying condition or more serious health issue. That being said, if your kid is still constipated after two weeks of trying out the home remedies suggested above, there might be something else going on.
See a doctor if your kid is losing weight, has a swollen abdomen, fever, bloody stools, and tears in his perianal skin, and is vomiting. If the doctor determines that your kid is suffering from severe constipation, she might have to do some tests to find out the source of the problem.
