Causes and risk factors
The most common cause of constipation is low fiber diet. Medications like antacids or anaelgics can also lead to constipation in children. Constipation can be secondary to certain underlying diseases like botulism, Hirschsprung disease or obstruction of the lower intestinal tract. Changes of routine, or fooding habits, switching off from breasts milk to cow’s milk or avoidance of use of washrooms at schools are some of the contributing factors.
Clinical presentation:
Usually the mothers can come up with a complaint that the child does not pass stool regularly or is reluctant to pass stools or cries while passing stools. Small, round, dry stools, straining while passing stools occurs. Clenching of hands or buttocks and various postures indicating straining are noticed. At times spoiling of the inner wares with clay like stools or traces of blood on stools is seen. Abdominal pain can be complained by the child.
Investigations:
The symptoms narrated by the mother are noted down by the consultant. The doctor can conduct a physical examination of the child. Investigations particularly ultrsonography, barium enema X ray and anorectal manometer tests are diagnostic. Routine blood test and rectal biopsies may be advised.
Treatment:
In addition to high fiber diet, fiber supplements and stool softeners which are readily available in the markets are recommended. To help remove the impacted stool the doctor can prescribe a laxative or enema. Nutritious and high fiber food, plenty of water intakes and certain physical activity or involvement in play or some kind of sports is suggested. Toilet training in children should be inculcated by the parents.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up constipation. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine uses herbal and certain synthetically prepared medicines. These can also be effective to combat the symptoms.
Recent updates:
A recent study carried out has revealed that unlike in adults probiotics are of no use in treating constipation in children.
