Constipation by definition is a condition which is characterized by fewer than normal bowel movement than usual. It is accompanied by straining, incomplete evacuation and passage of hard stools. It is particularly common among the elderly and younger children.
The causes of constipation include insufficient fiber such as fruits and vegetables to form bulk in the stools; insufficient fluid in the diet, insufficient time to go to toilet when there is the urge to pass motion and insufficient exercise to help the intestine to move especially after meals.
Occurrence of constipation can be controlled through increase in daily fiber intake to at least 15gm, drinking enough fluid such as milk and water, and enough exercise, among other things. Fiber increases the bulk of the stool allowing easy passage of stools through the large intestine. Liquid reduces the hardness of stools. Do not allow the kids to ignore or suppress the urge to pass bowel movement. This may impair the sensation to detect initiation of bowel movement leading to constipation.
This aggravating condition can be painful for your child and frustrating for you as the parent. While adult constipation is defined as when an adult experiences three or less bowel movements during a week, a toddler is different. A toddler does not have a normal number of bowel movements.
Dehydration is a rather common reason for toddler constipation. So if your child is not taking in an adequate amount of fluids then their stools can become quite hard. As the stool hardens, it can become difficult to pass. So by working to keep your toddler well hydrated you can help to work towards the prevention of constipation.
Low fiber intake is another challenge when it comes to toddlers. Without an adequate number of grams of fiber per day, your child has an increased chance of becoming constipated. Common and often favorite childhood foods include those such as milk, cheese, and peanut butter, which are known to be constipating. Ignoring the urge to defecate, which is common in toddlers, can make the problem worse. Kids are busy and often dont want to bothered taking time out of their busy day to go to the bathroom. This really can become an issue if they have experienced pain with a bowel movement, since it makes them more likely to want to ignore the next urge to have a bowel movement.
Try not to give laxatives unless it is deemed necessary by your doctor. Most doctors preferred not to use medicine in combating constipation. Also, consult your family doctor to exclude any abdominal swelling which may be blocking the passage of stools.
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