Pediatric Pearls

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Constipation is common in children between the ages of 3-7 years. The definition of constipation is hard painful stools. Some sources feel constipation is failure to pass 3 stools per week. Always discuss a concern of your child’s constipation with his or her physician. The most common form of constipation is “Functional fecal retention”, however, constipation can also be a sign of much more serious issues that need to be addressed.

Constipation in infants may be seen when rice cereal is introduced. Please do not manipulate the rectum to help the child pass stool, as this can be very dangerous. Barley, prune juice, increasing fruits and vegetables will usually assist in softening the stool. No honey less than one year of age due to its association with botulism.

In children constipation is usually a “control issue” of the “hard stool hurts and I am not going to let it come out again and hurt me.” The stool holding may begin with a painful stool, inflammation or some threatening event. Symptoms include gas, belly pain, becoming full early during a meal, passing large stools then better. This then becomes a vicious cycle.

Goals of dealing with constipation include helping the child empty the colon through enemas and then keeping the colon clean of stool by motivational techniques, dietary fiber, etc. Constipation can be a very serious and difficult issue to deal with. Seek advice from your child’s physician as soon as you suspect constipation for your child.

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