17785 Constipation In Children

Overview

Constipation is when a child has poops (stools) that are hard, dry, difficult to pass, or happen less often than usual.

Yes. Constipation affects around 1 in 10 children at some point.

It can affect any child, but it is most common in toddlers and young children, especially around potty training and school age.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Bowel movements fewer than 3 times a week
• Hard, pebble-like stools
• Pain when pooping
• Tummy ache or bloating

Symptoms in children

• Avoiding or holding in poops (crossing legs, hiding)
• Straining or crying when pooping
• Large, hard stools that block the toilet
• Soiling or liquid leaks between poops (overflow)
• Loss of appetite
• Tummy pain that improves after a poop

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, symptoms may be less obvious and can include fewer than 3 bowel movements a week, straining, and a feeling of not fully emptying the bowel.

Causes

Main causes

• Holding in poop (withholding) because of a painful earlier bowel movement
• Not eating enough fiber or drinking enough fluids
• Changes in routine like starting school or traveling
• Toilet training stress

Risk factors

• Age: toddlers and school-age children are more likely
• Family history of constipation
• Not enough physical activity
• Some medical conditions (always ask your doctor)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has constant tummy pain, vomiting, or blood in their poop, call your local emergency number or go to the emergency department.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If constipation lasts more than a few weeks despite home changes
• If you are worried about your child's growth, eating, or overall health

Diagnosis

Your child's doctor or nurse will ask about pooping habits, diet, and any other symptoms. They may also feel your child's tummy.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no tests are needed. In some cases, the doctor may recommend a gentle rectal exam or an abdominal X-ray if there is a concern.

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment is usually quick. Try to bring along a description of your child's poop (photos are often helpful) and a diary of bowel habits.

Treatment

Treatment for constipation in children usually starts with clearing any hard, stuck stool and then keeping bowel movements soft and regular. This often involves diet and fluid changes, toilet routine, and sometimes medication prescribed by a doctor. Always follow your doctor's advice.

Self-care at home

• Encourage your child to sit on the toilet after meals, especially breakfast, to use their natural reflex.
• Increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and water in their diet.
• Make sure your child feels safe and relaxed on the toilet (a footstool can help them feel stable).
• Praise your child for trying, even if they don't poop.
• Avoid punishment or pressure around toileting.

Medical treatments

Doctors may recommend laxatives or stool softeners to help clear and soften the stool. These are given by mouth and should be used exactly as prescribed. The dose is adjusted slowly and sometimes needs to be continued for several months to retrain the bowel. Never give over-the-counter laxatives to a child without medical advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is almost never needed for constipation in children. It may be considered only for very rare structural problems or if treatment does not help after specialist review.

Living with this condition

Managing constipation can take patience. Build a daily routine that includes regular toilet times, healthy snacks, and plenty of play and physical activity.

Lifestyle tips

• Encourage regular physical activity
• Set a positive toilet routine
• Keep a poop diary to spot patterns
• Talk openly with your child about digestion

Diet and exercise

Offer high-fiber foods like oats, bananas, apples, carrots, and beans. Make sure your child drinks enough water throughout the day. Limit too much milk and avoid excessive processed snacks. Physical activity helps the gut move.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Constipation can be stressful for children and parents. A child may feel embarrassed or scared to poop. Be calm, patient, and reassuring. If you notice ongoing anxiety, talk to your health visitor or doctor.

Prevention

Many cases can be prevented by encouraging regular toilet habits, a balanced diet with enough fiber, and adequate fluids.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for constipation.

Screening programmes

No routine screening is needed.

Complications

If left untreated

• Anal fissures (small tears in the skin around the anus) which can cause bleeding and pain
• Overflow soiling (liquid leaks around a hard stool)
• Loss of appetite and slower growth if the child is not eating well
• More severe build-up of stool (fecal impaction) that may need hospital treatment

Long-term outlook

With the right support and consistent care, most children recover fully from constipation. It can take weeks or months to retrain the bowel, but it is very treatable.

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