Constipation can be defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, difficulty in defecating, fewer bowel movements than usual or reduced stool volume. The condition where you're passing stools everyday but the act lasts long or you feel bloated after defecation, or you feel as if you have not completely passed the bowel movement can also be defined as constipation.

• Young children: refers to children aged 2 to 6.

Possible effects of long-term constipation

Frequent constipation can cause abdominal pain, distension and loss of appetite. Severe constipation can hinder children's growth and development.

Causes of constipation in young children

• Abnormal body structure: such as anteriorly-placed anus, stricture of large intestine, abnormal growth of nerve cells, congenital megacolon, etc.
• Improper diet: Constipation may arise from inadequate intake of high-fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits, or inadequate water intake.
• Functional problems: If parents are prone to constipation, the baby is more likely to develop constipation.
• Psychological factors: As some children are not physically and mentally ready to be asked to sit on the toilet, forcing them to do so will result in holding back their stool and resisting using the toilet.
• Inadequate exercise: Children who lack exercise or stay in bed for a long period of time and use certain medicines may have constipation due to slow intestinal peristalsis, resulting in fecal accumulation.
• Infectious diseases or fever: Common diseases include mental and muscular diseases, hypothyroidism, dehydration, abdominal muscle abnormalities, cerebral palsy, etc.

Ways to improve constipation in young children

• Arrange regular defecation time

Schedule a stress-free period of time for the child to use the toilet regularly. Don't rush your child and give him/her a pleasant and comfortable environment when he/she is defecating.

• Adequate water and dietary fiber intake

Encourage your child to drink more water; increase the fiber and water content in the child's diet step by step. Shape the food that your child does not like to eat into a variety of cartoon characters to stimulate their appetite, while cutting the fruit into small cubes and let them eat the fruit as snacks. Caregivers can spend more time thinking about how to make non-staple foods to increase the child's fiber intake.

• Abdominal massage

After your child takes a bath, apply lotion or a small amount of peppermint oil to your hands and massage his/her abdomen, with the abdomen as the center, for 3-5 minutes clockwise. If he/she suffers from anal pain when relieving stool, use Vaseline to lubricate the anal sphincter.

• Regular exercise habits

Regular exercise habits help children with digestion, absorption and peristalsis

• Record bowel movements

Parents can record their child's diet and bowel movements for 5-7 days, as well as stool property and abdominal pain, and seek medical advice immediately if there is any abnormality.

• Try prune juice

Prune juice has laxative effect and can improve constipation