symptoms in infants and children
children s health issues
Constipation in Children
In 95% of children, constipation results from Dietary issues Behavioral issues Constipation that results from dietary or behavioral issues is called functional constipation. Dietary issuesthat cause constipation include a diet that is low in fluids and/or fiber (fiber is present in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). that may be associated with constipation include stress (as may be felt when a sibling is born), resistance to toilet training, and a desire for control. Also, children may intentionally put off having BMs (called stool withholding) because they have a painful anal fissure or because they do not want to stop playing. Sexual abuse may result in stress or injury that causes children to withhold stool. If children do not move their bowels when the natural urge comes, the rectum eventually stretches to accommodate the stool. When the rectum has stretched, the urge to have a BM lessens, and more and more stool accumulates and hardens. A vicious circle of worsening constipation may result. If the accumulated stool hardens, it sometimes blocks the passage of other stool—a condition called fecal impaction. Looser stool from above the hardened stool may leak around the impaction into the child's underwear and lead to Stool Incontinence in Children (encopresis). Parents may then think that the child has diarrhea when the actual problem is constipation. In about 5% of children, constipation results from a physical disorder, drug, or toxin. Disorders may be apparent at birth or develop later. Constipation that results from a disorder, drug, or toxin is called organic constipation and needs to be evaluated by a doctor. In newborns and infants, the most common disorder that causes organic constipation is Hirschsprung Disease (an inadequate nerve supply to the large intestine) Other causes of organic constipation include Anorectal Malformations None Cystic Fibrosis (CF) None Metabolic and electrolyte disorders, such as an abnormally high level of calcium ( Hypercalcemia (High Level of Calcium in the Blood) ) or low level of potassium ( Spinal cord problems (such as Neural Tube Defects and Spina Bifida ) Hormonal disorders, such as an underactive thyroid gland ( Hypothyroidism ) Intestinal disorders, such as a Lactose Intolerance or Drugs, such as powerful pain relievers called Side effects of opioids (for example, Toxins, such as Lead Poisoning or those that cause Children with serious abdominal disorders (such as Appendicitis or a 