Treatment of constipation problem in children
It is difficult to make a general description of the problem of constipation and varies from person to person. Constipation, in its simplest definition, is defined as difficulty or delay in pooping. Constipation occurs at least in two weeks considering the poo characteristics of the child and the frequency of pooing. Most poo can be seen as having a hardness similar to pebble or less often with hard pooing.
Approximately 3% of preschool children complain of constipation in 1-2% of school-age children. In general, the rate of constipation in children varies between 0.3% and 8%. In addition, 3% to 5% of general pediatric outpatient clinics, and pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinics with a high rate of up to 25% with constipation complaints.
What causes constipation in children?
1. Functional constipation (bowel laziness):
There is no underlying disorder. Most families report that constipation complaints start when breastmilk is discontinued or when milk is added to the child's diet. It is the cause of about 90-95% of constipation in children. Functional constipation, usually seen under 5 years of age, can often be described as stiff and stiff pooping in less than three weeks in a week.
2. Constipation due to organic causes (caused by a disease):
Congenital existing anatomical disorders
Endocrine diseases
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Nervous system disorders
Nerve and muscle disorders of the intestine
Congenital abnormal abdominal muscle structure
Connective tissue diseases
Some drugs
Diet factors
How is constipation diagnosed?
Information from patients and their relatives is often sufficient for diagnosis. However, if there is evidence to suggest an organic cause, abdominal film, medicated large intestine film, and sometimes a biopsy (fragment) from the last part of the large intestine may be necessary. Thyroid hormone tests, calcium, magnesium and other electrolyte levels in the blood are laboratory tests to rule out diseases that may cause constipation. Especially in cases of constipation accompanied by incontinence, full urinalysis and urine culture should be examined.
How to treat constipation in children?
1. Regulation of the diet:
For the treatment of constipation in children, it is recommended to take plenty of fluids and increase the intake of carbohydrates that can be absorbed and not absorbed from the intestine for the maintenance of soft stool. Carbohydrates and especially sorbitol, prunes, pears and some juices such as apple juice. They are useful for softening the poo by increasing the liquid content and frequency of the feces. The applied diet should contain pulp and the amount of pulp in the diet should be increased gradually. Particularly popcorn is an abundant fibrous food and helps a lot. The amount of fiber a child should take daily is “age (years) + 5 grams lif. The amount of milk and dairy products may need to be reduced in some children.
2. Education:
Education of the child and family (giving detailed information about the disease and comforting the family and the patient)
3. Drug treatment:
A. Emptying petrified feces in rectum
Oral route: mineral oils, magnesium citrate, lactulose, senna, polyethylene glycol solutions
Rectal route: phosphate or mineral oil enemas used following saline enema
B. Diet: Appropriate nutrition to prevent fecal accumulation and maintain regular bowel habits
Pharmaceutical: Mineral oil, lactulose, sorbitol
Behavior change: Increasing the time spent in the toilet after meals and rewarding method.
Why are babies fed only breast milk constipated?
There are several reasons for this. It can be listed as:
Food allergies, the effect of proteins passing through the foods the mother eats.
Genetic and congenital intestinal diseases (hirsprung disease, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis).
Lack of electrolytes such as calcium, potassium, sodium in blood for various reasons.
Some drugs your mother used.
Does olive oil drink soften feces?
Olive oil can sometimes be useful. No harm, but usually not enough treatment. If constipation is left untreated, long-term loss of appetite-development, abdominal pain, serious deterioration in child comfort, unhappiness, restlessness and consequent psychological disorders (social exclusion, depression and anxiety, especially if there is poop abduction), cracks in the anus (fissure), blood coming from the butt. Hemorrhoids, recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence should be treated.
38AXX
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