Digestive problems among children are common and vary in type and intensity. Ailments such as constipation and diarrhea often pass without need for medical treatment. Lifestyle factors, such as adhering to a healthy diet, may help prevent or manage these symptoms. If diarrhea or constipation are severe or long-lasting, they may indicate a more serious condition such as irritable bowel syndrome. For best results, a doctor's guidance is recommended.
Constipation
Constipation refers to the reduced frequency of bowel movements or bowel movements that are hard, dry and cumbersome to pass. Constipation is a common children's digestive problem and generally does not lead to long-term complications. Constipation may be caused by emotional stress or because a child doesn't wish to stop play activities in order to have a bowel movement. A low-fiber diet, certain medications, and medical disorders such as diabetes and Down syndrome, can also contribute to constipation. Symptoms include few or no bowel movements, posture that indicates pain or attempts to hold waste products in, pain and difficulty having bowel movements, and feces in a child's underwear.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the near opposite of constipation, and refers to loose, often frequent, stools. Causes of diarrhea in children include antibiotics, over-consumption of fruit or fruit juice, food sensitivities, illnesses and infections. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, many children experience temporary lactose intolerance, or the inability to digest natural sugars found in cow's milk. Lactose intolerance frequently leads to diarrhea. Children experiencing diarrhea due to antibiotics may benefit from consuming yogurt with active cultures (probiotics). If diarrhea is severe, recurrent or contains blood, or if other symptoms such as extreme lethargy or vomiting accompany diarrhea, prompt medical attention should be sought.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating and discomfort, as well as constipation and/or diarrhea. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, IBS symptoms affect approximately 14 percent of high school students and 6 percent of middle school students in the United States. Children with IBS may express unusually frequent need to go to the restroom. Changes in children's stool is also common in those with IBS. Such changes include pellet-like, hard, loose, thin or mucus-containing stool. In some cases, children's pain alleviates after having a bowel movement and recurs with subsequent next bowel movements.
