Constipation in toddlers when to worry has become a major question for us, and going to the bathroom has become a torturous experience: Chronic constipation affects 5% of all children between the ages of 1 and 5. A prevalent problem that, according to the North American Society For Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (NASPGHAN), is all too often underestimated: by both parents and the attending physicians. Only early intervention is effective in preventing chronification.
What exactly are the signs and symptoms of chronic constipation?
The youngster sits on the potty or the toilet for an extended period of time several times a week, in agony, and is only occasionally or never able to defecate properly. The chair is large and difficult to sit on. Abdominal pain and flatulence are experienced as a result of this operation. Another symptom is a decrease in appetite and weariness. The child will naturally try to avoid suffering if the only way he or she can accomplish great business is through pain. Tensely tiptoeing back and forth, it intentionally holds back, covers its anus with its palm, and holds its breath. The signs and symptoms are numerous and not always obvious. Continuous defecating as well as involuntary feces might be indicators of paradoxical diarrhea, which can occur when there is also constipation.
CHRONIC CONSTIPATION
Two or more of the following diagnostic criteria must be present and have been in place for at least one month to be considered:
- Having fewer than three stool movements per week is considered normal.
- More than one episode of stool smearing per week is considered excessive.
- Stool lumps that can be felt in the rectum or abdomen
- Hard stool consistency
Can a dangerous disease be the cause?
The majority of children (95 percent) do not have any organic diseases. Due to the fact that a gastrointestinal infection that has survived can be just as much of a trigger as stressful conditions in the child’s normal life, there are numerous causes for difficult bowel movements to occur.
Loss of familiar surroundings, academic pressure, parental separation, death of a loved one, or other unusual situations can all cause a youngster to absorb information incorrectly, resulting in a rash of stomachaches. A genetic predisposition can also play a role in the development of the condition.
When should parents take their child to a specialist?
Constipation is a painful and debilitating experience for any child. The parents are insecure, and they are frequently unable to determine what is wrong with their child. They simply raise the amount of alcohol they consume or increase their physical activity as a result of their ignorance. That alone is not sufficient.
A doctor should be consulted as soon as possible if you are experiencing abdominal pain or cramps or, more importantly, if you are experiencing problems with your company. Waiting can result in chronification, which can last for years, perhaps even into adulthood. This results in a significant decline in overall quality of life, as well as difficulty in maintaining social and intimate contacts.
This is a vicious cycle that can only be ended by seeking help as soon as possible. Families require specialized assistance because they have a valid reason to be concerned and because they witness their child’s suffering on a daily basis.
What is the right treatment?
During the examination, the anus is palpated extremely carefully to determine its condition. The infant will be distressed by this procedure; yet, it is the only method to rule out organic causes. Following that, the youngster is given a laxative to ensure that the intestines are fully empty. Enemas are rarely required in most cases. High-dose macrogol is similarly effective as low-dose macrogol and is less stressful.
This is a tremendous comfort for any child who has frequently suffered with constipation for several weeks at a time. Finally, having a bowel movement is no longer a painful experience. However, the drug must be used over a period of several weeks, particularly in the event of persistent constipation, to be effective. Laxatives such as macrogol help to ensure that the stool is more easily mixed with water and that it is still soft.
The ultimate goal of treatment is to completely empty the bowels. In the most challenging circumstances, we offer a “elimination consultation,” in which a multi-professional team is brought together to discuss the options. With adequate therapy, the success rates for children who do not have an underlying organic disease are over 100 percent.
How useful is chair training?
In addition to administering medication, chair training is a valuable aid in getting problems with big business under control in the long term. The Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition recommends that parents should regularly potty train or toilet their child after each meal.
This training in a calm environment must be carried out consistently because it is a kind of bridge back to normality. A reward system for good participation in chair training is often helpful – of course not with biscuits or chocolate. Chair training is also a challenge for the child: it can take months for digestion to function normally again.
Parents as well as doctors need staying power and patience. Digestive problems can arise again in stressful situations. So always remember that it won’t work after all because the child can’t, but would like to.
What role does nutrition play?
Dietary fibers such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes are recommended for a fit intestine. Parents receive this information when they look for help on the Internet, join chat rA healthy intestine should be filled with dietary fibers from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, among other sources.
When parents seek assistance on the Internet, participate in chat rooms, or receive what they believe to be sound advise from friends, they are provided with this information. There is a dizzying assortment of sound counsel available. Our practical experience, on the other hand, has shown that the efficiency of fiber is frequently overstated.
Aside from that, they are frequently not welcomed by children. We encourage a healthy, well-balanced diet as well as regular physical activity. The amount of alcohol you consume is also overstated. If constipation occurs early in life, it is usually vital to rule out a cow’s milk allergy by following a special diet.
In addition, the amount of constipating items, such as bananas, cocoa, and fast food, that are consumed should be carefully scrutinized in the diet.
CONCLUSION
Recommended
- Take the problem of constipation in children seriously from the beginning and do not dismiss it as a minor inconvenience.
- Disimpaction, keeping the stool soft, and stool training should all be done on a consistent basis.
Please Avoid
- main disimpaction is not carried out on a consistent basis
- Using a low dose of macrogol or discontinuing it too early in the course of treatment are both problematic.
