Constipation is when a child passes very hard stools and has fewer bowel movements than he or she normally does. It is a very common problem. Everyone’s bowel habits are different. Some children may go daily, others up to every 3 days. What is normal for one child may not be for another. What is important to remember is that no matter how often your child passes a stool, it should not hurt when they do. Common causes include early toilet training and changes in diet. Fortunately, most cases of constipation in children are temporary. Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment may initially include diet and lifestyle changes. Your doctor may consider laxatives depending on how severe the symptoms are.
Signs and symptoms:
Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They may include:
- Not having a bowel movement for a few days
- Passing hard, dry stools
- Having belly (abdominal) bloating, cramps, or pain
- Not feeling hungry
- Showing signs of trying to hold stool in, such as clenching teeth, crossing legs, squeezing buttocks together, turning red in the face
- Small liquid or soft stool marks on a child's underwear
When to see a doctor?
Constipation in children usually isn't serious. However, chronic constipation may lead to complications or signal an underlying condition. Take your child to a doctor if constipation lasts longer than two weeks or is accompanied by:
- Fever
- Not eating
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal swelling
- Weight loss
- Pain during bowel movements
- Part of the intestine coming out of the anus (rectal prolapse)
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/constipation-in-children
https://patient.info/digestive-health/constipation/constipation-in-children