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Constipation parent advice

Date issued: September 2021

Review date: September 2023 

Ref: A-479

PDF:  constipation parent advice final September 2021.pdf [pdf] 213KB

Constipation

What is Constipation?

Constipation affects up to 30% of children and young people.

A child who is constipated will normally pass hard or pellet-like poo, less regularly than normal and may complain of pain. Children with constipation may also suffer from urine infections, bed wetting, soiling and behavioural problems.

Soiling is when the child may pass liquid poo caused by the blockage, this may happen without the child realising.

Symptoms of constipation

The signs and symptoms of constipation in children may include less regular poo, straining to pass poo and withholding poo. This build up may lead to soiling or overflow diarrhoea.

It may also cause the child to have tummy pain, poor appetite, lack of energy and irritability.

Management of constipation at home

Unfortunately, in many children the constipation does not go away quickly, but it can sometimes clear without any treatment.

  • Having a good toileting routine, do not let them feel rushed.

  • Encourage your child to sit on the toilet at least twice a day after a meal.

  • Reward your child even if there is no bowel movement.

  • Give plenty of oral fluids.

  • Have a well-balanced diet including increasing fibre (in forms of fruit and vegetables).

  • Encourage exercise.

Medicines for constipation

Children with long-standing constipation may require medications to help them poo. These will either soften the stool or help the gut to move more quickly. Children can be on these for a very long time, you do not get resistance to them.

When to see a Doctor

You should seek further advice if ….

  • Bowels are not open for longer than one week or the time specified in your discharge information.

  • If your child becomes unwell.

They may require a ‘disimpaction regime’ which includes higher doses of medications and other methods to help clear the blockage.

72 hours open access.

Your child has been given 72 hours open access to the children’s assessment unit.

This enables you to contact a nurse/doctor if you are concerned about your child and need advice if the symptoms worsen or continue.

Advice is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01752 430401 if within your 72 hours open access.

Should your child become unwell once the 72 hours open access has ended then please contact your GP or if necessary the emergency department

 

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