Constipation is a common childhood ailment. Generally, it only needs a change in diet to more fibre-rich food and drinking more water to resolve the issue. Laxatives may be used in persistent cases, but only on a doctor’s recommendation. We look at how to recognise constipation and the reasons children become constipated.
How to Recognise Constipation
Constipation can be recognised initially by hard-to-pass bowel movements, pain during a movement, stomach aches, blood in stools, faecal matter in underwear, or ones that occur under three times in seven days. You may notice your foster child grimace in pain or squeeze their buttocks to avoid passing a stool.
While constipation is usually not serious, it can be a symptom of an underlying condition. Any bout of constipation lasting longer than a fortnight requires a doctor’s visit, as do any of the following symptoms that are concurrent with constipation:
- Rectal prolapse (the intestine is seen hanging out of the anus);
- Losing weight;
- Swelling of the abdomen;
- Refusing meals;
- and fever.
Let’s look at the reasons for constipation in children.
Withholding
Many children are not comfortable using a toilet for a bowel movement in someone else’s home and this may cause them to withhold a stool. The child may not want to stop a game they’re enjoying to go to the bathroom. Sometimes, a child has built up a fear of the toilet. In cases where the child experiences pain on passing a bowel movement, this may be the cause of withholding, but it is important to establish why a child is having painful stools in the first place.
Potty Training Power Plays
You should not start potty training too early or you will have a protracted battle of wills. Some children may be resistant to potty training, which can turn into a battle of wills. Once this turns into a habit, it can be hard to return to normal movements.
A baby may become constipated when the food source changes from breastfeeding or formula, which is a purely liquid diet, to including solids as well. Sufficient fibre in the diet is necessary at any stage to avoid constipation. Children need to drink adequate amounts of liquids too.
Anything that Upsets the Routine
When a child feels outside of their comfort zone, such as when they start schooling, this may harm bowel function. Just a change in weather may lead to a short bout of constipation. Likewise, stress can also cause it.
Allergy
The most frequent allergy experienced by babies and small children is to milk. This may be due to an allergy to any form of dairy. You may need to eliminate all dairy foods and drinks from your child’s diet to stop constipation. Your foster agency, such as ISP Fostering, should inform you if a foster child has a milk allergy, so you can accommodate their needs.
Medical Conditions
There may be a problem with the digestive system, an anatomic defect, or a metabolic cause for constipation. This may require medication or surgery.
While constipation is seldom serious, don’t ignore symptoms of a possible underlying medical condition.
