Oh! That poop---

 

Did you know that approximately 3 percent of general
and 25 percent of pediatric gastroenterology out-patient visits are due to
constipation? So you are not alone.  So
let’s talk about the symptoms of constipation that your child may experience if
constipated. 

Children tend to present with

1. Difficulty in having a bowel movement for  two weeks
   or more
2. Less than three bowel movements  per week
3. More than 1 episode of fecal soiling per week. I always ask the question if parents do see
   any stool in the underpants. If they do how often.
4. Large stools that tend to clog the toilet and are accompanied with pain on passing stool and
   rectal bleeding
5. Abdominal pain/discomfort and increased gas
6. Withholding behaviors (such as not using restroom at school or other social events )
7. The Potty dance sequence –quite an interesting and unusual name. I am sure so many of us
   have seen our children withhold stool by contracting their anal
   sphincter and gluteal muscles. They tend to stand on tier toes and squeeze
   their buttocks

 

If you do see these symptoms please consult your
doctor as they may need to be treated with stool softeners and bowel cleanouts.
Often times though changing dietary habits and increasing the amount of fluids
can be sufficient. Treating in a timely manner is important to prevent complications
such as fecal soiling also called encopresis.

Most of the times constipation
may be due to behavioral or psycho-social issues and is called functional and
rarely other organic causes may identified. So consulting your pediatrician is
very important when these symptoms arise. They may need to check the thyroid
and ask you questions pertaining to diet and medications.

 

What do you expect at the pediatrician’s office?

 

The pediatrician may need to take a full history and
perform a complete physical exam. This may often include pressing on the belly
to feel stool. Yes!  At time they do can
feel stools- But this is a very subjective finding. They may also need to look
at the child’s bottom –the area called the anus--- where you tend to stool.
They may also at times look if there are any tears in the anus—that may also be
responsible for any blood loss. These tears are also called anal fissures. They
can be painful and children often complain of a burning while they poop.  The doctor after permission from you and
explaining the procedure to your child may need to put a finger in the
rectum—where a child poops form to see if it is too tight or loose. If there is
any stool then whether it is hard or not?

Depending on which the doctor may order an  X-rays and blood work.  Medication may or may not be advised.

 

So please call your pediatrician if your child is
experiencing any of these symptoms.

 

Blogged by Ritu Walia, MD, FACG

 

Comments

[Kenya]

I think my child has these symptoms. Good article.

I shall contact his doc !!

[Kenya]

Do you think I can use oil!!

I heard mineral oil works -///

[cafe]

An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you need to write more on this subject, it may not be a taboo matter but usually folks don't discuss these subjects. To the next! Best wishes!!