Constipation in children: what NIDDK says about symptoms, patterns and causes

How does NIDDK describe constipation in children?

NIDDK says a child may be constipated when there are fewer than two bowel movements a week, stools are hard, dry or lumpy, or stools are difficult or painful to pass. A child may also report feeling that not all stool has passed.

Is the same bowel frequency normal for every child?

No. NIDDK notes that some children have more bowel movements than others and that bowel patterns can change as children grow. Even infant bowel patterns change during the first weeks and months of life.

What behaviours can be linked with constipation?

NIDDK says children may avoid or delay bowel movements. Examples include standing on tiptoes, rocking back on the heels, clenching the buttocks or making unusual movements to hold stool. NIDDK identifies stool withholding as a common pathway to constipation because the colon continues to absorb fluid while stool remains there.

What other symptoms can occur?

NIDDK lists bloating, a swollen abdomen, wetting and stool in underwear that may look like diarrhoea among possible features associated with constipation.

What factors does NIDDK identify as possible causes?

NIDDK identifies stool withholding as a common cause. It also lists inadequate fibre intake, inadequate fluid intake or dehydration, and certain health conditions among factors that can contribute to constipation.

What warning features does NIDDK say need medical review?

NIDDK advises medical review when constipation symptoms last more than 2 weeks. It also identifies rectal bleeding or blood in stool, bloating, constant abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss as reasons for prompt medical attention.