Paediatrics
Constipation
When a child experiences difficulty passing stool or has infrequent bowel movements, our Consultant Paediatrician can help by evaluating the underlying causes of constipation and providing a treatment plan to promote regular bowel habits and alleviate discomfort.
What is it?
Constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent, and stools are hard and painful to pass. It can be caused by diet, dehydration, lack of exercise, or underlying medical conditions. Prolonged constipation may lead to discomfort, pain, and complications.
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Additional Information
What is Included?
The consultation includes a review of your child’s dietary habits, hydration levels, and a detailed medical history will be taken to make sure no underlying possible cause is missed. Our Consultant Paediatrician will assess bowel patterns and recommend dietary changes, hydration tips, or medications such as laxatives or stool softeners to relieve symptoms.
What to Expect
During the consultation, our Consultant Paediatrician will ask about your child’s bowel habits and diet, perform a physical examination, and provide strategies to promote regular bowel movements, such as increasing fibre intake and fluid consumption.
What Happens Next?
You will receive a personalised constipation management plan, which may include dietary modifications, lifestyle changes and, if needed, medications. Follow-up appointments may be arranged to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan if needed.
Frequently Asked questions
Common causes include low fibre intake, dehydration, lack of physical activity, or ignoring the urge to go to the bathroom.
Signs include infrequent bowel movements, hard or painful stools, stomach pain, and bloating.
Increasing fibre-rich foods (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains rich food) and ensuring adequate water intake are key to preventing and treating constipation.
Chronic constipation can lead to issues like anal fissures, haemorrhoids, or stool withholding, which may require further medical attention.
Mild laxatives or stool softeners are very rarely recommended to relieve symptoms in children, but these will prescribed only if strictly necessary and and for as little as possible.
Specialised Clinics
General Enquiries
Please send your enquiry to us and our Practice Manager will be in touch shortly. Alternatively, if you would rather speak to us or your enquiry requires our urgent attention, please call us on 01344 946363.