Symptoms:

• Straining as if to have a bowel movement but with no results.       
• Hard, dry stool.      
• Bloody streaks in the BM due to hard dry stools.      
• Distended abdomen with excess gas – maybe accompanied by stomachache, cramping or nausea.     
• Crying when having a BM. 

Treatment: 

• Increase fluid intake by giving frequent drinks of water or fruit juice.       
• Look at the child’s diet - foods such as white flour, rice, bananas, applesauce and peanut butter, milk and cheese may be the cause of a firmer stool.
• Foods such as prunes, raisins, peaches, and plums may be good for producing a looser stool.       
• Never give your child laxatives or enemas unless your pediatrician says it's OK - laxatives can be dangerous to children if not used properly.      
• If your child has a severe case of constipation, your pediatrician may prescribe medicine to soften or remove the stool.

Call the Doctor if:  

• Blood is noted in the stool.       
• Large, hard and dry stools occur.
• If your child is stool holding, that is refusing to have a BM. Stool holding may happen if a hard bowel movement has caused pain. This can lead to significant constipation and help from the doctor may be needed.       
• Child cries excessively when having a BM. 

Prevention for children.

• Ensure your child is eating plenty of fiber rich foods such as wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water. Exercise along with a healthy diet will help bowels to move! 
• Having a bowel movement should be free of discomfort. When that does not occur, then refer to these tips and seek help if things just don’t come out as they should!

Related Tips

• Constipation in babies
• Constipation is a condition where stools become firmer and harder.
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• Encouraging toddlers to eat more fruits and veggies
• Finding creative ways to encourage fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet can be fun for the entire family.
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