Constipation in children is one of the most distressing problems for mothers, because the child often cannot express their pain, and the symptoms may not be clear at the beginning. Malnutrition is considered the most common cause of these cases, as many children rely on sweets, carbohydrates, and low-fiber foods, which directly affect the movement of the digestive system.

Causes of Constipation in Children

Children tend to eat high-calorie, high-fat sweets. These foods are absorbed by the digestive system at a rate exceeding 90%, leaving only a very small amount of waste to reach the colon. This weakens the intestines’ ability to expel it.

Sugars and fats also stimulate the growth of colon bacteria, increasing fermentation and gas production, which causes bloating and reduces the activity of the colon, leading to delayed bowel movements.

The longer the stool remains in the colon, the more water the colon absorbs from it, making it harder and drier. When the child tries to pass stool on the third day, for example, they experience significant difficulty. The passage of the first hard stool may injure the mucous membrane of the anal canal, causing sharp pain and sometimes slight bleeding.

The Medical Aspect of Constipation in Children

Despite consuming fruits and vegetables, constipation may persist in some children. In such cases, the problem may not be nutritional but medical.

One of the most common medical causes is a congenital defect in the nerve endings responsible for sensation and movement in the lower part of the rectum. This results in an area that does not sense the presence of stool and does not contract to expel it. Waste continues to accumulate until it reaches an area with normal sensation, at which point the child feels the urge to pass stool, but the anal canal does not open properly, leading to recurrent constipation.

Normal bowel movements depend on two basic functions:

• The sensation of stool in the rectum is a signal that reaches the brain. 
• The movement of the rectum and opening of the anal canal allow stool to pass.

Any defect in these two mechanisms results in delayed evacuation and the accumulation of stool. Over time, the colon may become enlarged and lose tone, worsening the condition.

Chronic Constipation Cases

Some children may experience severe difficulty passing stool for up to 7 days or even two weeks. This group often suffers from dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles or the anal canal, making evacuation extremely difficult. This affects appetite, growth, and the child’s overall health.

Tips for Mothers to Treat Constipation in Children

Provide your child with a balanced diet containing sufficient fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains).

Avoid excessive sweets, carbohydrates, and fatty foods.

Monitor your child’s bowel habits and do not ignore early signs.

In cases of recurrent constipation or severe pain during bowel movements, you should consult a specialist to evaluate the condition and rule out any medical cause. You can contact Dr. Ali Shafik for reassurance and proper treatment of your child’s constipation.