TOILET troubles?

Consider this your guide to managing constipation in children

- 

Children experiencing constipation may not always have the vocabulary to express their discomfort, making it difficult to communicate their inability to pass stools normally.

Dr Suveena Bisetty, a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist practising at Netcare St Augustine's Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, shares how children may display symptoms of constipation and when it is necessary to seek medical attention.

"For most children, constipation is usually self-limiting and should resolve itself without the need for medication. However, parents need to be aware that if a child has prolonged constipation that is left untreated, it can lead to the development of other problems," she advises.

Parents should watch for the following signs, which may indicate their child is having difficulties with bowel movements:

• Crossing ankles or legs

• Stiffening the body

• Attempting to hide during defacation

• Crying or sweating on the toilet

• Pushing against walls, the floor or objects when trying to pass a stool

"The child may experience abdominal pain and could pass overflow diarrhoea even though they are constipated, as some of the stool manages to move past solid waste remaining in the bowel," Dr Bisetty says.