1. Causes of Constipation in Children
Constipation is a condition that typically occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive system, causing the stool to become hard, dry, and difficult to expel. For children, there are many factors that can contribute to constipation, including:
- Avoiding Toilet Use: Many children may ignore the need to defecate because they are afraid of using the toilet or do not want to interrupt their playtime. Some children refuse to use public restrooms because they feel uncomfortable. Painful defecation due to hard, large stools can also lead to children avoiding the toilet. Particularly, if a child experiences pain every time they defecate, they are likely to avoid going to the toilet, which can gradually lead to constipation.
- Toilet Training Issues: If parents begin toilet training too early, children may become rebellious and refuse to use the toilet. This can lead to the development of bad habits in trying to expel stool from their bodies, resulting in constipation.
- Dietary Changes: A diet that lacks fruits and fiber-rich vegetables or liquids can cause constipation. A common time for children to develop constipation is when they transition from a liquid-only diet to one that includes solid foods.
- Changes in Routine: Any changes in a child’s routine, such as travel, hot weather, or stress, can affect bowel function. Children are also more likely to experience constipation when they first start school or begin eating in school cafeterias.
- Medication Use: Some antidepressants and various other medications can contribute to constipation.
- Cow’s Milk Allergy: An allergy to cow’s milk or excessive consumption of dairy products (cheese and milk) can sometimes lead to constipation.
- Family History of Constipation: Children with a family history of constipation are more likely to experience it themselves. This could be due to genetic factors or environmental conditions within the family.
- Medical Conditions: Rarely, constipation in children may be caused by an anatomical defect, metabolic or digestive system issues, or another underlying condition.
2. Children Eating Plenty of Vegetables Still Have Constipation – Why?
Many parents wonder why their children still experience constipation despite eating a lot of vegetables. Is this an abnormal phenomenon? What can be done about it? However, the reason for constipation despite eating vegetables is often due to the following causes:
2.1. Incorrect Supplementation of Vegetables
Vegetables not only provide vitamins for children but are also a source of fiber that helps soften stool, making it easier for children to pass. Therefore, parents should ensure that when giving vegetables to children, they don’t just give them the juice but should also provide the "fibrous" part. For younger children still on solid foods, parents can blend or finely chop vegetables and mix them into porridge or baby food. For older children, it is important to encourage them to eat the vegetables whole, in soups with the vegetables, stir-fried dishes, or salads. Proper supplementation of vegetables will help reduce constipation in children.
2.2. Insufficient Water Intake
Constipation despite eating a lot of vegetables may be due to inadequate water intake. If a child drinks too little water, the digestive process will be less effective. Depending on the child’s age, parents should ensure the child drinks an appropriate amount of water, based on their weight, as recommended by pediatric nutrition experts:
- Under 1 year: 150 ml/kg/day
- 1-5 years: 100 ml/kg/day
- 6-10 years: 70 ml/kg/day
2.3. Experiencing an illness
Another possible cause for constipation, despite consuming plenty of vegetables, is when the child is ill and taking antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria in the intestines, disrupting the child's delicate digestive system. To address this, parents can give their child yogurt or digestive enzymes. However, parents should not use digestive enzymes without consulting a doctor.
Additionally, congenital conditions such as megacolon, intestinal narrowing, or anal fissures can make it difficult for children to pass stool, leading to constipation. Some conditions like rickets, malnutrition, or loss of appetite also cause constipation. In these cases, parents should take the child to a doctor for appropriate treatment.
2.4. Fear of using the toilet
In addition to physical causes, children can also experience constipation due to psychological factors. This often occurs in the following situations:
- Toilet Training: Children who are just learning to use the potty or toilet often feel hesitant or scared. If parents do not notice and encourage the child, they may resist the urge to go, and over time, this can lead to constipation.
- Starting School: Children who are entering daycare, kindergarten, or elementary school may be afraid to use the toilet. For younger children, the transition from home to a completely new environment can cause anxiety and fear. Older children, who may not be accustomed to using the toilet alone, may also ignore the urge to use the toilet.
- Previous Constipation: Children who have previously experienced constipation may develop a fear of going to the toilet due to the pain. This leads to a cycle: child has constipation – fears using the toilet – continues to be constipated. In these cases, parents need to be sensitive to the child’s emotions and reassure them, helping them feel comfortable and less fearful of using the toilet.
3. Treatment for Constipation in Children
Depending on the severity of the child’s constipation, doctors may recommend various treatments, including:
- Fiber Supplements or Stool Softeners: If a child is not getting enough fiber in their diet, doctors may recommend fiber supplements like Metamucil or Citrucel. However, the child should drink at least 32 ounces (about 1 liter) of water daily for these products to work effectively. Consult with the doctor for the appropriate dosage based on the child's age and weight.
- Glycerin-Based Medications: Glycerin-based medications may be used to soften the stool in children who are unable to take oral medications. Consult the child’s doctor for the best way to use these products.
- Laxatives or Enemas: If stool accumulation causes a blockage, the child’s doctor may suggest laxatives or enemas to help relieve the condition. Never give children laxatives or enemas without the doctor’s consent and guidance on proper dosage.
- Hospital-Administered Enemas: In severe cases, a child may need to be hospitalized for a short time to receive stronger enemas to cleanse the intestines (non-reactive).
It is important to note that when a child is constipated, vegetables and fiber alone do not resolve the problem. Therefore, the question of which vegetables to give children to cure constipation should not be the main focus. In addition to vegetables, parents should ensure the child is getting enough water and provide emotional reassurance so that the child can feel comfortable using the toilet when needed.
Parents often try to give children plenty of vegetables to prevent constipation, but in many cases, the child still experiences this condition, which significantly affects their absorption and overall development. The reasons for constipation despite consuming many vegetables include avoiding the toilet, inadequate water intake, and changes in the child’s living environment. Therefore, in addition to supplementing fiber, parents should pay more attention to the child’s mental health to make defecation easier and more comfortable for them.
Children should also receive additional necessary micronutrients such as Zinc, Selenium, Chromium, Vitamins B1 and B6, Ginger, and Cherry extract (Vitamin C) to improve taste, enhance appetite, achieve proper height and weight, boost immunity, and reduce minor illnesses and digestive problems.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
