Constipation in children

It’s a very common condition for children. The constipated child may present with a dry, hard stool that is difficult to evacuate and or may also present with infrequent bowel movements; where the child goes on without passing any stool for days. Generally, in a small child, not passing stool for 1-2 days or occasional hard stool need not be significant. But, if your child is habitually constipated and it lasts more or less longer than two weeks- then is the time you should seek medical advice. Alternatively, if the constipation is associated with fever, swelling of the abdomen, total anorexia, blood in the stool, excessive pain during passage of stool etc. also needs medical attention.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

  • Hard, dry, painfully stool with difficulty
  • Less than 3 bowel movement in a week
  • Pain while having a bowel movement
  • Rectal bleeding due to rectal tears
  • Poor appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • Straining when passing stool
  • General malaise and irritability

Why does the child get constipated?

In a child especially at an early age, it is due to poor toilet training and changes in diet. There may be other reasons like:

  • Not enough fibre and fluid in your child’s diet. If a child is taking only supplement milk, he may become constipated.
  • During sickness, your child loses his appetite and takes less water and thus become constipated.
  • Any changes in your child’s routine- such as travelling, exposure to extremes of weather – hot or cold, any kind of stress/ pain etc. may lead to constipation.
  • When your children are away from home and they don’t want to use a public toilet that may lead to constipation.
  • If your child is a bit stubborn and ignores the urge to have a bowel movement that may lead to constipation.
  • Due to family history
  • Due to the use of certain medicines.

What to do to prevent constipation?

  • Serve your child more fibre containing food, rich fruit and vegetables.
  • Encourage your child to drink more fluid.
  • You may set a particular time daily for your child to use the toilet. This would condition his/her biological reflexes for regular bowel movements.
  • Regular physical activity may help to stimulate normal bowel function. Even lite massage is also helpful.

Are there any tests to be conducted?

Normally the doctor will ask some question about your child’s diet, physical activity and past illness to understand if there is any pathological reason behind constipation. Hence a properly narrated details of the case is of utmost importance. If required then the doctor may order the following test such as a few blood tests, abdominal x-ray, rectal biopsy, anorectal manometry. However, all these investigations are need-based and targeted to rule out some back-ground diseases.

What to expect from Homeopathy?

Homoeopathic medicines are proven to be effective in treating constipation. We don’t advocate any chemical preparation in crude form to give just temporary relief. These medicines are made from natural substances and don’t have any side effect. If your child is indicative for medical consultation, homoeopathy is a safe option for long term relief. There are various medicines available to treat cases of constipation homeopathically. A few of the medications are Alumina, Nux vomica, Bryonia alba, Ratanhia, Antimonium Crudum, Aesculus hippocastanum, Lycopodium, Silicea etc. However, it is to be noted that, it is not only a medicine for constipation, we consider the totality of symptoms and consider the child holistically to rectify his complaints. Thus the child not only gets a long term relief from their complains but his general condition like appetite etc. also gets improved.

Self-prescription can prove harmful, and parents are not encouraged to self-prescribe any of the Homeopathic medicines without consulting an appropriately qualified doctor from a recognized university.

So why wait! Just give us a call, to help us help you! Our expert doctors are eager to hear about your child, that too within the comfort of your home. We would deliver the prescribed homoeopathic medicines at your door-step!