translated from Spanish: Child constipation what causes it and how to prevent it?

Although deposition of feces in children under 5 years of age is variable, it is expected that the newborn infants and infants fed breast milk have two bowel movements per day, child with complementary feeding at least 3 bowel movements per week, otherwise it could be considered that he has constipation, so was announced by the DRA. Dr. Maria Jocelyn Bravo Ruvalcaba, responsible for training in childhood of the Secretariat of health of San Luis Potosi State.
Constipation or constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, arise less than three per week, with dry, hard stools and sometimes in high volume and large diameter.

This condition is common in the pediatric population, frequent reason for consultation, it usually isn’t serious, but when it is recurrent and is accompanied by other symptoms should be evaluated to rule out occult disease or complications. 

Bravo Ruvalcaba, explained some of the causes that cause constipation in infants are: retention: the children can avoid evacuations if they cause them pain, if they are not in the bathroom of his house, when he is starting to learn how to go to the bathroom , or simply by oversight, as when you are playing.
Changes in diet: when you do not include a complete and balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in fiber and water, as well as enough water; intestinal motility, causing constipation is diminished. Or when they develop the milk protein allergy, although the latter may also cause diarrhea. Also some infants fed with milk from formula can constipate you.
Changes in routine: warm weather, a stressful situation, a trip or even when children start going to school, can influence to favor it. 
Physical activity: girls or sedentary children are likely to develop constipation due to lack of stimulation of intestinal transit. 
Inheritance: it is common that girls and the children who have parents with a history of constipation, might also suffer it. 
Diseases: only 5% of the constipation is due to diseases such as hypothyroidism, Hirschsprung’s disease, malformations of the gastrointestinal tract and cerebral palsy among others. As well as also the intake of some medicines.   
Identification of constipation can be done during the consultation of well child, however, if constipation lasts more than two weeks, is accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in the stool, abdominal distension, weight loss, cracks in year or even prolapse rectal (exit of the rectum for the year), must attend the corresponding health for their timely evaluation unit. Read also: you torment the constipation? It is important to remember that you for a healthy gastrointestinal tract and prevent constipation in children, should be offered a diet rich in fruits and vegetables with high fiber content, enough water to prevent dehydration, including cereals with fiber; educate the children in a routine of regular bowel movements; physical activity; and drugs that were granted review.



Original source in Spanish