Concerned about your child’s bowel movements?
Did you know that one of the leading causes of long-term constipation in children is their decision to hold in their bowel movements? This can lead to hardened waste in the rectum, causing fear of using the restroom and loss of the urge to go. Children with behavioral or developmental issues are more susceptible to constipation.
Learn how to help your child overcome this issue and prevent future complications.
Chronic Constipation
Constipation is a common problem among children. Chronic constipation is significantly more challenging to treat than acute constipation. Chronic constipation can cause long-term pain and loss of bowel control, which can be stressful for both parents and children.
Symptoms of chronic constipation-
- Less than 3 bowel movements per week
- Tough Poop Discharge failure to expel waste
Chronic constipation lasts for weeks or months. Children with chronic diarrhea report pain and the feeling that their bowels are stuck or cannot fully empty.
How the Bowel Functions
It is essential to know about the digestive system to understand why constipation occurs.
- When someone eats, the stomach sends a signal to the colon. This is called the gastrocolic reflex. Because the signals need time to take effect, many people visit the restroom within 30-60 minutes of finishing a meal. After food reaches the intestines, it forms stool in the rectum. It’s time to go, but a non-voluntary muscle holds back the waste.
- The muscles must cooperate and receive suitable “instructions for the system to work effectively.” While most parents and kids start toilet training at 3 or 4, these muscles don’t fully develop until then.
- Chronic constipation can be treated successfully with behavioral, pharmacological, and nutritional therapy.
