1. I Can't Poop
You feel awful as a parent or child caregiver when your child is in pain and miserable because he is constipated. Your child can develop constipation if they are on certain types of medicine or if your baby switches from breast milk to formula. Some kids are just too busy to have a bowel movement, so keep track of their toilet habits so you can remind them.
2. Tell
Certain signs of constipation in young children are hard to miss. If your child has very hard stools, any blood on the toilet paper they use or stools large in diameter, they could have constipation. They may also cry or scream while passing a stool. If your child complains of a stomachache and their stomach looks bloated, they could be having trouble with constipation. Sometimes children will resist going to the toilet or toilet training if they are constipated.
3. Home Treatment Know How
If your child is constipated, you can try some home treatment before taking them to the doctor. Prune juice may sound yucky but it is a tried and true treatment for constipation, cut it with some apple juice if your child refuses to drink it. Getting them to drink other fluids like water and juice is important too. If your child loves fruit you are in luck; fruit is great for constipation. Vegetables and whole grains are full of fiber that can help loosen stools. Sit your child on the toilet with their feet on the floor or a riser after meals; the colon naturally wants to empty after a meal, so give nature a chance.
4. Constipation Can Require a Doctor
When your child has chronic constipation and symptoms like screaming when they try to poop, no appetite, fever or diarrhea with any blood, take them to the doctor immediately. Your doctor may prescribe oral or rectal laxatives if there is an impaction. To prevent more problems your doctor may prescribe long-term medication and educate you and your child on how to prevent constipation.
5. Constipation Continuation
Unfortunately, children with constipation often have reoccurring problems with the condition. Your child may need to take medications for a long time to make sure the constipation does not return. You must continue to make sure they get a healthy diet, have good toilet habits and drink plenty of water, as well as take prescribed medications. If your child still has problems, you may have to take them to a pediatric gastroenterologist who specializes in stomach and intestinal conditions.
