“Constipation is a condition in which the infant, child, or adolescent has infrequent bowel movements. An average is to define constipation when there are less than 3 stools per week, or when the stool causes pain or is difficult to evacuate. It is a frequent problem in the medical consultation and can go unnoticed by the family”, says Dr. José Luis Gonzales, pediatric gastroenterologist at our clinic.

The manifestations of constipation may be due to the patient’s age:

In early childhood, stools may occur at intervals and cause concern in the family, despite the presence of loose stools. In older children, it manifests with spaced and/or hard stools. It may also be accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and rectal bleeding.

Important elements to consider:

• Parents must pay attention to the intestinal transit of their newborn baby, since the first bowel movements must occur spontaneously. Also, when the little one starts complementary feeding. Feeling anal pain after the passage of the stool leads the infant to retentive behavior and thus initiates functional constipation. Infections in the perianal area are also another triggering factor for this gastrointestinal disorder.
• The emotional situations in the child related to the moment of starting the diaper removal training and the use of the toilet, can also mark the beginning of this problem. Avoid pressuring the little one if he/she does not learn quickly, he/she may not be ready yet.

Preventive measures to avoid constipation:

• Regular consumption of foods with fiber, especially fruits and vegetables.
• Wait for the right moment to teach the little one to leave the diaper and use the toilet.
• Drink enough water.
• Perform physical activity on a regular basis.
• Establish a regular time to go to the bathroom.

It is important to talk with your pediatrician about your child’s rate of evacuation and the characteristics of his/her stool. As he/she grows up and goes to the bathroom alone, talk to him/her about his/her bowel habits, as it is very easy for constipation to go unnoticed by parents at this stage, if it does not cause discomfort (rectal bleeding, flatulence, abdominal pain, etc.).

Dr. José Luis Gonzales
Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma