CONCEPT
Constipation is defined as either decreased frequency of bowel movements or painful bowel movements. Children between 1 and 4 years old usually defecate between 1 and 2 times a day and defecates more than 90% by spending a day at least. When a child is constipated for a long time can begin to soil your underwear. The medical term used to describe this symptom that can occur in children with chronic constipation is encopresis. Other symptoms that may accompany constipation include stomach aches, poor appetite and irritability.
In most cases no tests are needed before the treatment of constipation. But sometimes, depending on the severity of the problem, your doctor may order x-rays or other tests to clarify the situation.

HAPPENS FOR CONSTIPATION
At least 25% of visits to pediatric gastroenterologist is due to constipation problems. Million prescriptions per year spread to administer laxatives and stool softeners.
In some children, the effort and difficulties in defecating (usually with soft stools) may be due simply to an immature system with rectal muscles do not relax at the right time. It must be remembered that some healthy babies who are breastfeeding can go days without a bowel movement. Thereafter, constipation may begin when the child’s diet includes enough fiber or liquids.



When the child has been constipated for more than a few days, the stool can fill the large intestine (colon) to induce their relaxation. An over-distended colon can not function properly. Therefore retains more feces. Then, remove a large mass of hardened stool becomes a painful experience for the child, who naturally avoid going to the bathroom (retentive behavior).
In children, constipation can begin when there are changes in diet during the training period for using the toilet, after a trip or after a viral illness.


Older children may start to hold onto when they need to go to the bathroom because they are afraid to use the toilet away from home.
The school or summer camps with facilities that are not clean enough or private, are the most common cause of retention in this age group. In addition, children who stay indoors watching TV and playing video games, do not exercise enough. Exercise helps move digested food through the intestines.

WHY IS constipation a concern?
Hard stools can irritate or tear the lining of the anus (fissure), making bowel movements painful. The child may avoid going to the bathroom, which can cause further constipation.

How is ESTRENIOMIENTO
Treatment of constipation varies with the source of the problem and the age and personality of the child.
Dietary changes such as increased fiber, fresh fruit or the amount of water taken daily.
Others require medications such as stool softeners and laxatives sometimes.
Stool softeners are not habit forming and can be taken for long periods without troubling side effects.
A few children may require a “clean” seed to help empty the colon of a large amount of stool. This is usually done through the use of laxatives by mouth or even suppositories or enemas for a short time.
It is often helpful to begin a training routine to defecate in which the child sits on the toilet for 5 to 10 minutes after each meal and before bathing. It is important to keep this routine consistently to encourage good habits of behavior.
Importantly, treatment can not be provided outside and liquid diet, no doctor’s prescription.