[ad_1]
Children also suffer from constipation and parents may sometimes ignore their signs. In fact, it’s incredibly common. If not addressed immediately, it will affect the child’s life every day and can lead to intestinal complications later. Dr Jayant Khandare, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist, Surya Mother and Child Super Specialty Hospital, Pune, told HT Lifestyle that almost 1 in 5 children may face constipation at some point.
Also read: Gastroenterologist reveals how sitting for long periods at work affects your gut health: ‘Causes inflammation, constipation…’
,Since many families view it as a ‘phase’ or a ‘food problem’, it is often underdiagnosed until the discomfort becomes difficult to ignore,” said Dr Khandare. Many parents may think that constipation is temporary, but many times this is not the case.
Why are cases increasing?
Cases of constipation in children are on the rise and doctors have pointed out a combination of lifestyle and routine-related factors that are affecting the digestive health of children.
Dr Khandare warned about the increasing habits of eating junk food among children, which are mainly processed and ultra-processed. In addition, their diets are low in fiber, with fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as inadequate water intake and less physical activity.
Apart from diet, school routine also has a big impact on a child’s bowel habits and contributes to constipation.
“When children repeatedly hold back stools because they dislike school toilets, feel rushed in the morning, or find it painful to have a bowel movement once, the stool becomes harder and larger, making the next attempt even more painful,” the pediatrician explains. This cycle can quickly turn constipation from an occasional problem to a chronic problem.
Signs that parents often forget
Constipation in children can be identified by detecting subtle physical and behavioral changes that are sometimes easy to miss or misinterpret.
Dr. Khandare listed these signs:
- hard, dry stool
- pain while passing stools
- stomach pain
- Swelling
- loss of appetite
- Stopping behaviors like crossing legs, clenching
What are some danger signs that require immediate medical attention? “If Constipation lasts more than two weeks, or if it comes with fever, blood in the stool, significant abdominal swelling, weight loss, severe pain, or rectal prolapse, meaning something comes out of the anus,” he said.
So while constipation can be controlled, it is necessary to take timely action so that the problem does not worsen. By paying prompt attention, frequent problems faced by children can also be reduced.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
[ad_2]
