Is my child constipated?

Many children experience constipation at some point in their childhood.  There are many signs of constipation you should be on the lookout for:

• Less than 3 bowel movements a week
• Difficulty having a bowel movement
• Hard stools
• Dry stools
• Abnormally large stools

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What causes constipation?

      There are many causes of constipation.  Generally speaking, lack of water and fiber are usually the main culprits of constipation.   Water and fiber are essential to helping the bowels function properly.  If your child eats mostly a “fast-food” type of diet, ie. burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, and/or a lot of processed sugars which are found in soft drinks, juice, cookies and candy, you might want to make some changes.  Children who eat these types of foods frequently are often more constipated.

Another cause of constipation that you may not think of is medication. Antidepressants and medicine for iron deficiencies can sometimes lead to constipation.  For babies, when they move from breast milk to formula or from baby food to solid food, this often leads to constipation.

Stress can also be a cause of constipation.  If a child is anxious or stressed about something, perhaps a problem at school, a test, bullies, sports, or problems at home with siblings or a parent’s divorce this can result in constipation.  There has been a lot of research on how emotional problems can result in constipation and diarrhea.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly called IBS, is also a cause of constipation.  This can happen when children are stressed out or consume certain fatty or spicy foods.  Stomach pain, gas, diarrhea and constipation are all common symptoms of IBS.

Although it is rare, constipation can sometimes be a sign of a more serious medical condition so if this is a constant problem for your child or if it continues to last for more than 2 weeks, it is important to inform your pediatric urologist New York

What are ways I can help prevent constipation in my child?The good news about constipation is that it is preventable and can usually be avoided with exercise and a healthy diet.  Below are five recommended ways to prevent and ease constipation.

• Make fluids your child’s best friend
  We know how important hydration is for adults, it is even more critical for children whose bodies are still developing. Water especially, helps stools pass through the intestines.  The required amount of fluids depends on your child’s age and weight, but a rule of thumb would be 3 to 4 glasses of water per day.
  
  If you find your baby is constipated when switching from breast milk to formula or to solid food, prune juice can often help.  If the constipation is causing your child pain or discomfort it is best to contact a pediatric urologist New York.  

• Fiber is king
  It is important to teach your child that fiber is our friend.  Fruits, vegetables and whole-grain bread are high in fiber and help prevent constipation.   The reason for this is because fiber is not easily digestible so it helps clean the intestines out.  Conversely, the “fast-food” diet high in sugars and starches works against the process by slowing down the bowels.  Child friendly fiber rich foods include: apples, oranges, bananas, oatmeal, baked potatoes and popcorn.
• Exercise routine
  Teaching your child the importance of physical activity can help them throughout their live.  Not only does it help with brain function and emotional well-being it also helps with the digestive system.  Physical activity helps bowels move along so it is important your child gets enough daily exercise.
  
  
  

  

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• Routine Mealtime
  Eating naturally nudges the bowels and thus it is helpful for a child to have a regular meal schedule. Having a routine mealtime throughout the day regulates the bowels.  Sometimes it is helpful to wake your child up earlier in the morning to eat breakfast that way he or she can go to the bathroom before heading to school.

  

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• Bathroom habit
  If your child often puts up a fight about going to the bathroom, have him or her sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes after a meal around the same time every day.  

If you recognize any of the symptoms of constipation in your child, contact Dr. Grace Hyun, a top pediatric urologist New York. Dr. Grace Hyun  is a board certified urologist who specializes in pediatric urology, but is also a full time working mother. She understands the importance of parents feeling secure with their children’s physician and has the unique perspective of understanding “what it’s like to be on the other side of the desk.”  As a top pediatric urologist New York, she has an excellent rapport with many pediatricians in the New York City area making her the preferred pediatric urologist NYC among parents and her colleagues.