Children’s Health
Signs, Symptoms & Causes
Constipation is when you can’t pass solid waste, or stool. (Passing stool is also called “having a bowel movement.”) Constipation is not usually serious. Here are some reasons for constipation:
* Your child has the flu or some other sickness.
* Your child isn’t getting enough water.
* Your child is holding in the bowel movement because he or she:
– Has a bad diaper rash.
– Has a tear in the rectum (the opening where stool comes out).
– Is being toilet trained.
Sometimes a child won’t have a bowel movement for many days. They may start getting stains in their underpants. This is called “soiling.” It is a sign of a bigger problem.
You can do things to help your child’s stool be softer. This makes it easier to pass. (See the Self-Care Tips in this section.) Don’t give your child a laxative or an enema unless the doctor tells you to. (Laxatives and enemas are medicines for constipation.) Your child doesn’t have to pass stool every day.
Questions to Ask
Self-Care
* Give your child lots of water and other things to drink. (This is very important when the weather is hot.)
* Give your child prune juice.
* To help your baby pass stool, lie the baby on his or her back. Move the baby’s legs like he or she is riding a bicycle. Or bend your baby’s legs at the knees and hold them up to your baby’s chest.
* Don’t give honey to an infant.
* Feed your child foods with fiber:
– Babies 6 months old and older can have whole wheat baby cereal.
– Older children can eat fruit, and whole-wheat breads and cereals, and vegetables.
* Try giving your baby light Karo® syrup. (You can get it at the grocery store.) Here’s how to give it to your baby:
– Put 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of syrup in 4 ounces of water.
OR
– Put 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of syrup in 4 ounces of formula.
Note: You may have to give your child an over-the-counter medicine. Be sure to check with the doctor first. Some medicines are:
* Mineral oil. (Don’t give mineral oil to a child under 3 years old.)
* Glycerin suppositories.
* Laxatives like Colace® or Metamucil®.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine