Constipation

Constipation (con-stuh-PAY-shun) is a very common problem in kids. It usually isn't a cause for concern. Healthy eating and exercise habits can help prevent it.

Usually, signs of constipation in kids include:

It's also common for kids with constipation to sometimes stain their underwear with bits of poop.

Constipation can be due to a diet that doesn't include enough water and fiber, which help the bowels move as they should. Kids who eat lots of processed foods, cheeses, white bread and bagels, and meats may become constipated fairly often.

Sometimes, medicines like antidepressants, pain medicines, and those used to treat iron deficiency can cause constipation. Constipation can happen in babies as they move from breast milk to baby formula, or from baby food to solid food. Toddlers who are toilet training sometimes can become constipated, especially if they're not ready.

Some kids avoid going to the bathroom, even when they really have the urge to go. They might ignore the urges they feel because they don't want to use a restroom away from home, stop playing a fun game, or have to ask an adult to be excused to go to the bathroom. Ignoring the urge to go makes it harder to go later.

Stress also can lead to constipation. Kids can get constipated when they're anxious about something, like starting at a new school or problems at home. Research has shown that emotional upsets can affect how well the gut works and can cause constipation and other conditions, like diarrhea.

Some kids get constipated because of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can happen when they're stressed or eat certain trigger foods, which often are fatty or spicy. A child with IBS may have either constipation or diarrhea, as well as stomach pain and gas.

In rare cases, constipation is a sign of other medical illnesses. So talk to your doctor if your child continues to have problems or if the constipation lasts for 2 to 3 weeks.

To prevent and treat constipation:

These small changes help most kids feel better and get the bowels moving the way they should. Talk with the doctor before giving your child any kind of over-the-counter medicine for constipation.