How do I know my child has constipation and abdominal pain?
Constipation is a common digestive problem affecting children and adults. It’s characterized by infrequent stools, difficult-to-pass stools, and/or painful stools. Your child could be diagnosed with constipation if they regularly pass hard, dry stools or have a bowel movement less than three times a week.
Abdominal pain can result from constipation. Straining when trying to pass a hard stool or a backup in the digestive tract causes cramps, bloating, and general discomfort.
Why did my child develop constipation and abdominal pain?
Constipation in children develops for many reasons, including:
- A low-fiber diet
- Dehydration
- Lack of activity or exercise
- Side effect of medication
- Reaction to stress
The providers and team will search for a cause for your child’s constipation, such as thyroid disease, lead poisoning, Celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. It’s rare for children to experience a bowel obstruction or have nerve damage causing their constipation, but it’s possible. The team at Great Destinations Pediatrics explores all possible causes of your child’s constipation and abdominal pain to find the cause and come up with an effective treatment plan.
How are constipation and abdominal pain treated?
Usually, lifestyle changes can help your child find relief from constipation and abdominal pain. These include:
- Eating a high-fiber diet (more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains)
- Maintaining an active lifestyle
- Drinking plenty of water every day
- Drinking little or caffeine (found in most sodas, coffee, and tea)
The team at Great Destinations Pediatrics might recommend that your child take an over-the-counter stool softener and a daily fiber supplement to relieve their symptoms.
What are other common causes of abdominal pain?
Constipation is only one of many causes of abdominal pain. Your child might be experiencing:
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Food poisoning
- Stomach flu
- Diarrhea
Because abdominal pain has so many causes, it’s important to have your child evaluated to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
When should I be concerned about my child’s constipation and abdominal pain?
If simple things like changing their diet and exercise don’t help your child’s constipation, they probably need medical treatment. Constipation and abdominal pain accompanied by symptoms like bloody stools, alternating diarrhea and constipation, and/or severe cramping will require further testing and treatment.
If your child suffers constipation and abdominal pain, call Great Destinations Pediatrics today to schedule an appointment or use the online tool to make one.
Abdominal Pain in Children
Constipation
