Constipation is a disturbance of defecation (short-term or chronic), when the intestine does not empty completely.
Main symptom: сhronic abdominal pain, especially in children who already control bowel movements themselves.
Normal stool in children
Reference — Bristol Stool Chart. Optimal types are 3–4 (sometimes 5).
Weekly frequency of bowel movements:
- up to 3 months, breastfed — 5–40
- up to 3 months, formula-fed — 5–20
- 6–12 months — 5–28
- 1–3 years — 4–21
- older than 4 years — 3–14
Why constipation occurs
Vicious cycle: hard stool → pain → withholding → harder stool.
Causes: painful experience, inconvenient conditions (kindergarten, school, guests), ignoring the urge.
Consequences: stool drying out, bowel overstretching, reduced sensitivity to defecation.
What to do
Do not self-treat — consult a pediatrician.
Possible management:
- laxatives in the correct dose and duration
- “toilet training” (regular bowel routine)
- stool diary
Additionally:
- sufficient fluid intake
- fiber (grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes)
- breakfast + warm drink to stimulate urge
- ≥30 minutes of daily physical activity