Constipation in Children , especially at a young age, is more common than we think.
It is not necessarily chronic, and can be treated quite easily.
In order to see more clearly about your child's case, here are some real good tips.
Your child is constipated if he has less bowel movements than usual (up to less than 3 times a week)...
And that in addition they are hard and painful.
Of course, you have to pay attention to it right away, in order to help it before it becomes chronic.
Your child's intestines are building and changing, it's completely normal.
But this "functional" constipation is more painful for him.
If he is really small, he will not understand and this pain will force him to hold himself back, and accentuate the problem.
This is why it is important to check the frequency stools, and observe the behaviour of your child.
If he holds back and is afraid, he must be reassured and helped.
If he has an "accident" in his panties from holding back too much, do not scold him. He might think that pooping is a dirty thing.
The first way to help him is to make his stools softer again, and therefore less painful.
To do this, we put on water adapted, like that of Hépar, for example.
Grape and prune juice can be added if he is willing to drink it.
We try to reduce dairy products.
If your child is at an age where he still consumes a lot of milk, ask your doctor for permission to switch to soy milk, for example. .
In terms of food, the main foods are of course green vegetables.
But there is also bran bread, apples, wholemeal pasta , and anything that contains fiber (lentils, beans, chickpeas, cabbage, turnips, spinach, salsify, red fruits, plums, apricots...)
It is advisable to avoid anything chocolate as much as possible, even if your child loves it.
If he likes to drink cocoa, give preference to Ovaltine, the best for transit.
Give him rice in moderation, as well as the banana.
Constipation has really becomechronic ?
This is the case when symptoms have occurred at least three months in the past year.
I advise you to give your child a helping hand, so that things gradually return to normal.
For his transit to return to normal, one can, from time to time, go through some aids such as glycerin suppositories or a few homeopathic pellets (Ignatia or hydrastis).
They are harmless and do not cause addiction.
Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Water enemas with a pear can also be used.
But for my part, I find that this process can be a little traumatic for the youngest children.
In many cases, children are scared to poop (something comes out of their body, they are sometimes embarrassed).
They need to understand that pooping is normal.
For that it is up to us, parents, to reassure them, and to show that we are happy with their progress.
If the symptoms of constipation are already there, and you have trouble not showing your concerns to your child, an appointment with a paediatrician may be necessary.
He will advise you on the best course of action.
It is rare, but possible, that the problem persists after all these precautions. It can happen that these disorders are due to other health problems.
In this case, if the first alternatives do not work, turn to your doctor.
Make him the list of remedies that you have tried.
The doctor will probably give a suitable treatment, 4 to 6 months on average, with a regular follow-up .
In any case, I wish you good luck.
And I advise you to always, no matter what, prepare balanced meals, keep your children well hydrated.
And don't forget, you have to stay calm (if you can).
