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What to Do If Your Toddler Is Constipated

Constipation can be defined as a situation in which an individual cannot empty the bowels, which leads to difficulty in stooling. Constipation is known to be one of the most frequent gastrointestinal complain in children, and quite a number of them visit the doctor regularly due to this condition. In a situation in which a child passes hard and large stool, having bowel movements [1] that are difficult or painful to push out can also result from constipation. Usually, food passes through the digestive tract, in which nutrients are absorbed. When a toddler has constipation, the colon’s muscle movements tend to slow down, Making the stool move through the colon at a significantly reduced rate. Due to this condition, the colon absorbs a lot of water, making the stool very hard and dry. Constipation can occur in children when the child decides not to use the toilet and then withhold bowel movement for specific reasons. When there is a change in the toddler’s diet, that is a situation where there are not enough fruits or vegetables that are rich in fiber in the child’s diet. Constipation can also be a result of genetic factors, the child’s allergy to cow’s milk consumption, and it can also be a result of anatomic malformation.

Fissures (a natural cleft between parts of an organ) and hemorrhoids [2] are caused by hard stools that have accumulated over time. The following are things to do when a toddler is experiencing constipation:

Watch their milk intake

Cow milk is generally known to contain protein present in it, which children are susceptible to, putting them at risk. For lactose-intolerant children, it is typical for them to experience diarrhea instead of constipation. Too much milk may cause increased gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort as no lactase enzyme is present.