Consequences of constipation in children

Many parents wonder if constipation is dangerous for young children. To answer this question, let's find out the consequences of constipation in children to have a timely remedy.

Video content is professionally consulted by MSc. Dr. Nguyen Nam Phong - Pediatrician - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disease in children, statistics show that at least 30% of children with constipation need attention. Causes of constipation in children are divided into two main groups:
Physical causes: children with hyperthyroidism, congenital megacolon, diabetes, and neurological diseases. The functional cause is constipation related to the two functions of the terminal intestine, which are water reabsorption and expulsion, such as: the child refuses to defecate, and the child eats solid foods suddenly. especially the first time infants are given solid foods, the protein ingredients used in milk are high, children are deficient in nutrients and dehydration as well as lacking in fiber.... Constipation in children if left for a long time will cause problems. become chronic and can cause serious complications

Constipation in children for a long time can cause complications such as:
Blood in the stool: When defecating, the stool will rub on the lining of the anorectal canal, which can cause bleeding. The extent of bleeding depends on the solidity, sharpness of the stool, stability of the mucosa and the interval between exposures. Anal fissure: This is the most painful condition caused by constipation. Stools are stored in the colon for a long time, getting bigger and firmer. Masses of stool larger than the dilation of the anal canal can lead to fissures along the anal fissure. Pain during bowel movements: Pain is the feeling that creates a vicious cycle of constipation in children. It is because of fear of pain that children are afraid to defecate, often withholding defecation even when there is a need. Abdominal pain below the navel: The stool is not excreted, stagnates in the rectum, causing the child to have abdominal pain below the navel. Internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids: are common complications in people with constipation, even a lot. This is a consequence of increased intra-abdominal pressure when pushing. Inflammation of the anorectal canal: Large, dry, solid stools that easily damage the mucosa, anus and rectum Intestinal obstruction: The “fecal tumor” can cause intestinal obstruction in children. Intestinal obstruction is characterized by intermittent abdominal pain that cannot pass stools. Unequal development of mind and body: when children are constipated, children often skip meals, anorexia. Reduced absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The lack of nutrients makes children physically and intellectually retarded than normal children. Phobias: Every time I eat, I think I'll have to go to the bathroom after eating. This makes many children obsessed and afraid to eat. Besides, eating but not being able to defecate often causes a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Stool leakage: This is a complication that greatly affects the psyche of the child, especially in older children, then the child will suffer from guilt because friends laugh, gradually making the child live more closed. . This situation is repeated with the phenomenon of stools sticking to the child's pants while the child is completely unaware of this. The cause of fecal incontinence is that when a child is constipated, their stools become hard, dry, clumps, and can be very painful when passing through the anal canal. Therefore, children are afraid to have a bowel movement and make the situation worse. The longer stool stays in the colon, the harder it is for the child to push the stool out. The colonic wall has to lengthen and dilate, sending signals through local nerves, signaling the need to increase bowel movements to clear the obstruction. Because of this, the upper soft or liquid stools are pushed down, leaking through the interstitial spaces around the solid stool and out. Exhaustion: Malnutrition is a consequence of constipation in children. This is perhaps undisputed. Frequent, long-term constipation, untreated, will lead to the child's lack of nutrients, emaciation, anemia. The stagnation of feces in the colon for a long time causes chronic toxicity in children. It is best to limit the child's constipation as well as the use of antibiotics, parents should pay attention to the nutrition that improves the child's resistance. At the same time, supplementing with supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins, etc., helps support the immune system, strengthens the resistance so that children have less energy. sick and less likely to have digestive problems.
For more nutritional knowledge and child care for each age, parents should regularly visit the website vimec.com and make an appointment with the leading doctors, pediatric and nutrition experts of the National General Hospital. Vinmec when needing advice on children's health.