Constipation

Several factors can lead to constipation in children, such as:

• Holding in stool to avoid discomfort during bowel movements
• Starting toilet training too soon, which can cause stress and tantrums around bathroom habits
• Low intake of fiber-rich foods and fluids
• Stress, travel, or sudden changes in daily routine
• Family history of bowel issues

Usually, constipation isn’t serious and can be managed with lifestyle changes like better diet, scheduled meals, and encouraging regular activity.

While constipation can affect any child, it’s more common in those with unhealthy habits such as:

• Low levels of physical activity
• Not eating enough fiber-rich foods
• Insufficient fluid intake

Mental health issues like anxiety and medications for these conditions might also contribute to digestive and metabolism problems, including constipation.

You might notice these signs if your child is struggling with constipation:

• General fussiness or discomfort
• Tummy pain
• Small traces of blood when wiping
• Fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Hard or pasty stools
• Poor appetite that improves after a bowel movement
• Trying to hold in stool by crossing legs or clenching muscles

Constipation mainly falls into two categories:

• Organic constipation results from underlying conditions like celiac disease or thyroid issues affecting metabolism.
• Functional constipation occurs when children hold back bowel movements. Sometimes infections like stomach flu can trigger this.

Most constipation cases in kids improve on their own. But if your child has trouble passing stool for over two weeks, or you see symptoms like fever, appetite changes, belly swelling, or weight loss, it’s important to visit your pediatrician.

Ignoring chronic constipation can lead to serious issues such as:

• Anal fissures: Hard stools can cause tiny tears in the anus.
• Rectal prolapse: Ongoing constipation may weaken rectal muscles, causing the rectum to protrude.
• Encopresis: Avoiding stool can cause buildup in the colon and accidental leakage.

Treatment depends on symptom severity and may include:

• Dietary changes: Encouraging a balanced, fiber-rich diet with plenty of fluids.
• Supplements: Fiber supplements can help when diet alone isn’t enough, but make sure your child drinks plenty of water.
• Suppositories: Stool-softening suppositories may help kids who can’t take pills.
• Laxatives: Used to relieve stool blockage and prevent complications.
• Hospitalization: Rarely, severe cases require hospital care for professional enemas.

To help keep constipation at bay:

• Feed a fiber-rich diet: Fruits, veggies, beans, whole grains all aid digestion.
• Offer plenty of fluids: Water, juice, and even popsicles help hydration.
• Promote physical activity: Regular play stimulates bowel function.
• Set meal schedules: Eating at regular times encourages routine bowel habits.
• Establish potty routines: Encourage sitting on the toilet after meals and before bed.
• Create a supportive space: Praise efforts, never punish accidents, and keep potty training stress-free.

At Sammy Kim, MD, our trusted pediatricians provide caring, hands-on support for your child’s health needs—from common illnesses to chronic care.

We offer same-day appointments at our clinic in Encino, CA. To schedule a visit, call (818) 789-0941 or contact us online.