Has your baby recently started to grunt, cry, or lift their legs towards the tummy, or seem to be excessively fussy? These could be possible symptoms of constipation, a condition that most infants get at some point. Constipation is quite uncomfortable for a baby and they show it by pulling away the bottom and tightening the upper half of their body while feeding or smothering their face into the bed while excessively crying, or even holding back from eating completely.
Other possible symptoms include bowel movements less than three times a week, difficulty passing soft stools or stools that are hard and shaped like little balls, swollen tummies and stools with traces of blood due to excessive straining. If you recognize all or some of these signs, it will allow you to treat the condition in its early phases thereby allowing the infant to receive treatment as fast as possible and in due time. For parents and caregivers constipated infants are a bit of a worry. An infant getting constipated is a concern not only for the caregivers but also for the offspring and while it is not uncommon for an infant to be constipated once or twice lasting constipation does require some form of treatment.
Diet changes can result in an infant getting constipated and that is one of the primary reasons. It can be difficult for infants to digest infant formula when they are moving on from a diet limited to breast milk as such formula milk has a considerably harder texture. Also, adding solid foods into an infants diet may temporarily lead to constipation as the baby’s body gets used to the new foods. In most instances it is not a problem and the infant’s body gets used to the new food in 3 to 4 days, but if it extends beyond that duration, seeking a doctor’s advice may be needed.
Dehydration is another common cause of constipation. When fluid loss exceeds intake, dehydration can occur, making stools harder and more difficult to pass. Illnesses such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever can reduce fluid levels in the body, increasing the risk of constipation. Similarly, reduced fluid intake during illnesses or excessive sweating can also contribute to this condition.
Different medications and dietary supplements are known to slow down bowel action resulting in constipation; iron, anticonvulsants, anticholinergics, or narcotic pain relievers are some examples. Parents are advised to speak to their physician if they suspect a medication to be the source of the digestive trouble.
Constipation can also be caused by several health conditions such as spina bifida, intestinal obstructions, celiac disease, or even hypothyroidism. In some rare proceedings other factors such as suffering from conditions like Hirshsprung’s disease which affects nerve control in the colon can be a cause. Extreme measures such as babies who are a little older intentionally holding onto their stools due to the worry of pain or hate being disrupted while playing can increase cases of constipation.
To diagnose constipation, doctors rely on a combination of medical history, physical examination and diagnostic tests. They would pose questions to caregivers like how often does the child defecate, the texture of the stool, how does their diet look like and do see touching routine. Routine checkups would include checking if the child had tempered skin, having an aching stomach or lumps in the tummy, and at times even checking the rectum. Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, stool analysis and imaging may be used if a more serious condition is suspected.
Treatment for constipation depends on its cause. For mild cases, increasing fluid intake is often sufficient to soften stools. Babies eating solid foods can benefit from fiber-rich options such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Gently exercising such as cycling using the legs of the baby or tummy massage also helps to relieve the bowels.
If constipation is noted to be due to certain medicines, the physician would alter the medicine or dosage. If the constipation issues are persistent, counter medications like laxatives, enemas and glycerin suppositories are suggested under medical supervision. For older children, particular behavioral strategies such as sitting on the potty after meals, rewarding children for trying to use the potty and taking a break from potty training may be effective in reducing constipation.
To avoid constipation, babies need to be fed and drink enough water especially when sick or in hot climates. Solid food fed babies are supposed to be consuming enough bulk foods to aid digestion. Setting a habit of frequent and regular passing of stools may also help in avoiding constipation.
Consistently seeing a physician would be helpful in case there is an ongoing stomach or stomach associated illnesses such as nausea, anal bleeding, or despair that does not respond to home care measures. Broadly it is an indication for concern and signs of underlying illness which needs more attention.
Constipation is a common issue in infants, often caused by dietary changes, dehydration, medications, or health conditions. Mild cases can typically be managed through simple lifestyle adjustments such as hydration, diet and gentle exercises. However, persistent or severe cases may require medical intervention. By promoting healthy hydration, balanced nutrition and routine, caregivers can help prevent constipation and support their baby’s overall well-being. Always consult a pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby’s bowel habits or notice unusual symptoms.
(The author, Dr. Srinivasa Murthy C L, is the Lead Paediatrics, Consultant – Paediatrics and Neonatology, at Aster Women & Children Hospital, in Bengaluru.)
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