How should constipation in children be treated?

Constipation is a very common phenomenon. With the increasing living standards, people's eating habits are getting worse and worse, so constipation has almost become a common problem for urbanites. Although constipation is not very serious, it will affect the patient's life and work, and it will also cause certain harm to the skin, metabolism, endocrine system, etc. People with long-term constipation will have dull complexion, acne, bad breath and other phenomena. So how should constipation in children be treated?

There are three main treatments for constipation that are usually helpful in most cases.

Stool softeners, also called laxatives, clean out the intestines. These are safe for children but should be used under the supervision of your pediatrician.

Two common mistakes are that parents give their children stool softeners but fail to use a large enough dose, or stop taking laxatives. For example, you might think you can stop giving your child a stool softener after the first normal bowel movement, but stopping too soon could cause your child to have a new round of constipation. Some children may need to take stool softeners for several weeks. Your doctor will advise you on the correct dosage schedule for your child.

A high-fiber diet and plenty of fluids. This means feeding your child plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, high-fiber cereals, whole-wheat breads (look for at least 3-5 grams of fiber), and a variety of legumes, such as chickpeas and lentils. Both are good sources of fiber, and children often enjoy eating dried fruits, which can be fried with a little salt and oil. Foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt, can also promote digestive health benefits.

When focusing on fiber, don't forget about fluids. If your child is eating lots of high-fiber foods, but not enough fluids to help wash it down, that can make matters worse. Your child should drink plenty of water every day, and some milk. Limit sugary drinks to 4 ounces a day for school-age kids and 6-8 ounces for younger children.

Encourage your child to go to the bathroom first thing in the morning and before having a meal or snack. Especially with a small child, you may get better results.

The above article introduces some methods that can treat children's constipation. Regulating children's eating habits and dietary conditioning are the simplest and most effective methods. Eat more foods containing dietary fiber, and eat more easily digestible foods, as well as some foods that have laxative effects, such as yogurt, honey water, celery, etc. Doing more exercise and massaging your abdomen can also promote bowel movements.