Most people have experienced acute constipation at one point in their lives. It is a painful and uncomfortable condition. Constipation is a common digestive disorder among children that often has more to do with their dietary habits than their genetic makeup. A variety of remedies and solutions can help alleviate acute constipation in children.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of acute constipation include no bowel movements for a few days, and passing hard, dry stools that are painful to pass. Constipation can also cause stomach pain, poor appetite and crankiness in children.
Milk Intake
Dr. Vincent Lannelli of Keep Kids Healthy states that the amount of milk a child drinks is often related to his risk of constipation. He explains that drinking more than two to three cups of milk a day can cause constipation in children because milk is difficult to digest. Young children, especially, tend to drink too much milk if they were formula-fed and have an attachment to the bottle. Cutting down on milk or switching to soy milk may help reduce constipation.
Natural Remedies
Another way to reduce constipation in children is to talk a child through relaxation strategies. The Mayo Clinic states that deep, slow breaths and relaxing the pelvic muscles can help relieve acute constipation in children. Gently massaging the child's stomach area on a regular basis can also help promote regular bowel movements.
Dietary Fiber
Children with acute constipation generally have trouble getting enough dietary fiber in their diet due to their high milk intake or affinity for junk food. Keep Kids Healthy states that increasing a child's fruit and vegetable intake can help get rid of acute constipation. Raw fruits and vegetables have the most fiber, but cooked ones are also beneficial. Other fiber-rich foods can also help prevent and treat constipation. For example, beans, nuts, whole wheat bread and popcorn are all high in fiber. These foods can be offered every few hours as a snack or at mealtime.
Medications
For children who have severe constipation or do not benefit from natural or dietary remedies, medications may be necessary. Keep Kids Healthy states that stool softeners are the most commonly used medication, as they are nonhabit forming. Stool softeners simply lubricate the stool so that it is easier to pass. Some doctors also prescribe prescription medications for constipation when necessary.
