Constipation in Children and Young People. Information for Parents. Children s Ward

Transcription

1 Constipation in Children and Young People Information for Parents Children s Ward Leaflet Ref: Published: 01/16 Review: 01/19 Page 1

2 Constipation Your child has been diagnosed with constipation. Constipation is common in childhood. The exact cause of constipation is not yet fully understood however known factors which contribute are the following; Pain Fever Diet and fluid intake Dehydration Psychological issues Toilet training Medicines Family history Normally stools should be soft, large, long and dark brown. No pain should be caused when opening the bowels. Symptoms of constipation to look out for in your child include the following; Change in bowel habits (stools may be harder, lumpy, dry, larger, smaller). Stomach pain and discomfort. Reduced appetite. Reduced energy. Being irritable and unhappy. Feeling unwell. Foul smelling wind or stools. Soiling of clothes Generally if your child is suffering with any of these symptoms; it may suggest they are constipated. You should seek medical advice. How you can help your child It is important that your child has a well-balanced diet. Fibre is an important food group which your child needs to help stools remain large and soft which will prevent constipation. Good fibre foods include; Granary/brown bread Potatoes Vegetables (preferably with skins on) Wholegrain cereals Lettuce Apples Leaflet Ref: Published: 01/16 Review: 01/19 Page 2

3 You can also; Have a look at fibre content when food shopping. Encouraging your child to drink plenty. Preventing dehydration is very important. Encourage your child to be active. Sit your child regularly on the toilet. Our bodies seem to prefer regular rhythms. Try sitting your child on the toilet at the same time each day; preferably more than once a day. The best time is after meals: for example; when waking in the morning, after lunch and after tea. 10 minutes a time will be enough. If your child passes a small stool, it is worth leaving them sat on the toilet for a little longer as most likely they will continue to pass a further stool. Sometimes children may blame themselves for constipation which may cause lots of upset. Encouragement, reassurance and praise are key. Encourage your child to use the toilet and to follow prevention methods (as discussed). Reassure your child that constipation is normal and that it is not their fault. Praise your child when they are doing well; for example, spending time on the toilet. It may also help by adopting a fun method on the toilet - ask your child to blow a balloon up or blow bubbles whilst sat on the toilet. Both methods increase the pressure around the bowel which will make your child push. Both methods are also good for distraction. Some children seem to have constipation which goes on and on. Often this can be complicated by soiling which is when loose stools will pass around the hard stools and may be found on clothing and bedding. It is recommended that your child seeks medical attention at this time. To identify which medicine will benefit your child; the Doctors and nurses may do some investigations. Abdominal examination: by the doctor feeling the tummy, the doctor can feel how much faeces has built up. Abdominal x-rays: The doctor can see if there is any faeces build up. Monitoring the stool: the nurse will check your child s poo for colour and texture. Leaflet Ref: Published: 01/16 Review: 01/19 Page 3

4 If required the doctor will select the correct medication. It is important your child takes the medicines as the doctor instructs. You may continue to see health professionals following treatment in supporting the prevention of constipation. Leaflet Ref: Published: 01/16 Review: 01/19 Page 4

5 For further information on the references and sources used for this leaflet, please contact Comments, compliments or complaints We welcome any suggestions you have about the quality of our care and our services. Contact us: Freephone: Phone: Textphone: Customer Care, Reception, Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Road, SK10 3BL For large print, audio, Braille version or translation, contact Communications and Engagement on East Cheshire NHS Trust operates a smoke-free policy (including e-cigarettes) For advice on stopping smoking please contact our Stop Smoking Service on East Cheshire NHS Trust does not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, bullying or abuse and is committed to ensuring that patients, staff and the public are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. We welcome user reviews of our leaflets. Please share your comments, reviews and feedback with us by sending to ecntr.patientinformation@nhs.net Leaflet Ref: Published: 01/16 Review: 01/19 Page 5