At our neonatal clinic, we often encounter parents, grandparents, and grandparents inquiring about their babies' constipation problems. Next, as a pediatrician, I will share with you the relevant knowledge about constipation in babies, so that babies can grow up "relaxed" and healthy.
1、 What is constipation?
Constipation refers to a disease characterized by constipation, reduced frequency or prolonged duration of bowel movements, or difficulty and obstruction of bowel movements. Western medicine believes that constipation is divided into organic constipation and functional constipation. Organic constipation is often caused by congenital intestinal malformations and cannot be cured by general conditioning. Surgical correction is necessary. Functional constipation may be related to insufficient intestinal stimulation, lack of intestinal motility, and weakened intestinal mucosal stress, which can be cured through regulation.
2、 What are the causes of constipation?
One reason is an unreasonable diet. When infants and young children have too little food, the absorption of fluids after digestion and the lack of residue can lead to reduced and thickened stool; Excessive protein content in the diet makes stool alkaline, dry, and less frequent. The second is intestinal dysfunction. Irregular and irregular bowel movements, as well as the absence of a conditioned reflex for defecation, can lead to constipation. The third is the impact of diseases. Rickets, malnutrition, and hypothyroidism are more common in children with poor abdominal muscle tone, weakened intestinal peristalsis, and constipation; Anal fissure, perianal inflammation, pain at the anal opening during defecation, and children's inability to defecate due to fear of pain, leading to constipation; Children with congenital megacolon may experience constipation, bloating, and vomiting shortly after birth; When abdominal tumors compress the intestinal cavity, stool cannot pass smoothly and can also cause constipation. The fourth is emotional pressure. Sudden emotional stimulation in children can lead to tension, or sudden changes in environment and lifestyle habits can also cause constipation.
3、 What are the hazards of constipation?
1. Anal fissures and hemorrhoids: Chronic constipation can cause excessive force on the muscles around the anus, resulting in damage to the anal sphincter and even anal fissures and hemorrhoids.
2. Colon cancer: Long term constipation can cause harmful substances in the colon to stay for too long, increasing the risk of developing colon cancer.
3. Abdominal distension and gastrointestinal discomfort: During constipation, if stool is not expelled from the body in a timely manner, it accumulates in the intestines, resulting in discomfort symptoms such as bloating and bloating.
4. Bladder problems: Chronic constipation can affect the normal urination function of the bladder, especially in elderly people who are prone to urinary incontinence, which seriously affects daily life.
5. Mental depression: Long term constipation can make people feel tired, anxious, and emotionally low. In severe cases, it can also affect sleep and work efficiency, leading to mental depression.
4、 What should I do about constipation?
One is dietary adjustment. If infants who are breastfed experience constipation, they can add moisturizing complementary foods such as sweetened vegetable water, orange juice, tomato juice, etc. When infants fed with cow's milk experience constipation, the sugar content in the milk can be increased to 8% and fruit juice can be added. For older infants, honey can be added. Preschool children with constipation should reduce their protein diet and increase their intake of grains, vegetables, fruits, and other junk foods. The second is training habits. Babies can be trained to have regular bowel movements from 3 to 4 months old. Generally, training can be done in the morning or after meals to prepare a cute and comfortable toilet for the baby. The baby may be interested and willing to try, establishing a conditioned reflex for defecation. Developing good bowel habits from a young age is very important. The third is drug therapy. Phenolphthalein, glycerin suppositories, glycerin suppositories, etc. The fourth is external treatment methods. Traditional Chinese medicine enema therapy, pediatric massage therapy, ear acupressure therapy, acupoint application therapy, and so on.
If not treated systematically, almost 50% of children with constipation can continue into adulthood. Long term constipation can cause anorexia, abdominal pain, and bloating. Over time, it can lead to habitual defecation disorders, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and even malnutrition, directly affecting the growth and development of children. Therefore, constipation in children cannot be ignored. Once discovered, timely and scientific medical treatment should be sought to avoid improper treatment methods and medication.