抖阴漫画

Constipation is a common — but often overlooked — issue for kids. Whether it’s the result of dietary habits, changes in routine or simply not wanting to use the bathroom at school, many children struggle with irregular or painful bowel movements at some point.

While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, chronic constipation can impact a child’s mood, appetite and overall well-being. Here, Dr. Price Edwards, pediatric gastroenterologist at 抖阴漫画, discusses the causes, symptoms and strategies for preventing and treating constipation in kids, so families can find relief and get back to focusing on the joys of childhood.

Why Does Constipation Develop in Kids?

Constipation in kids is common and often caused by stools becoming too hard or painful to pass. This discomfort can lead to fear or avoidance of using the bathroom, which only worsens the problem and can lead to ongoing issues with regular bowel movements.

“It can happen at any age, but we do see very large bumps around when children are transitioning to more solid foods and around the time of toilet training,” states Edwards. “However, we do see children of all ages present with new constipation.”

Signs and Symptoms Needing a Physician’s Attention

Although constipation has strict clinical definitions, it can look different from child to child. It's important to talk to a pediatrician or specialist if your child shows signs of pain, avoids using the bathroom, has blood in their stool or is experiencing poor weight gain or growth.

“Those are all different concerns that would be items that should be discussed with a physician,” advises Edwards. “Additionally, for infants, those who don't have a bowel movement within the first two days of life or are having large issues with bowel movements early in life, that always should be discussed with your pediatrician as well.”

Dietary Strategies to Relieve Constipation

Diet plays a key role in gut health and bowel movements by influencing the microbiome. While small dietary changes alone may not resolve constipation for most kids, certain foods — like soluble fiber, psyllium husk, kiwifruit and prunes — can be helpful and have even shown effectiveness comparable to medications in some adult studies.

“Really, any stone fruit, but I think prunes, pears and kiwis are really the ones that have been studied the most and which are known to make a big difference,” notes Edwards.

What About Constipation Medications? Are They Safe for Kids?

Most constipation medications for kids are available over the counter, including stool softeners like MiraLAX, lactulose and magnesium. These help make bowel movements easier to pass, and, if softeners alone aren’t enough, a stimulant may be added to encourage more regular movements. For many kids, a small daily dose of a stool softener can be an effective and mild intervention.

These medications typically take a few days to work, so consistent daily use is recommended. While parents often worry about dependence or tolerance, research shows that using the right treatment to establish regular bowel movements is safe and may actually help children eventually stop needing medication.

It’s also best to intervene early — especially if a child is showing signs of fear or pain — to prevent long-term issues. If symptoms persist or red flags appear, families should consult a pediatrician or specialist to find the right treatment approach.

“I always recommend when parents are using over-the-counter treatments to read them very carefully. There are some enemas, suppositories that should not be used in kids,” cautions Edwards. “Always pay attention to the warning labels and use them according to their instruction.”

Why Constipation Should Never Be Ignored

Parents often worry about the underlying cause of their child’s constipation, fearing something serious like a blockage. Fortunately, in most cases, simple medications or behavioral changes are effective, and invasive testing is rarely needed — making these the best first steps in treatment.

“I always want to be very clear when talking to patients and families that this is a very invasive, debilitating, life-altering symptom,” says Edwards. “Families often feel very isolated because it can be stigmatizing, and patients can be bullied if they're having accidents or soiling events. So, it's a really important topic and something I really do care a lot about treating because it is often not talked about enough.”