Constipation is a violation of the bowel movement caused by intestinal disorder. Constipation in a 4 and 5 year old child is quite common and common. At this age, a change in diet and nutritional schedule occurs, the child grows up, perception, physiological and psychological state changes. All this can provoke improper bowel function and cause constipation. Preschoolers already go to the toilet on their own; parents often find out about the problem only when their 4- and 5-year-old child does not poop for a long time or the process is accompanied by abdominal pain.
Signs
Often, worried mothers inadvertently use a variety of laxatives. To use them, you need to know the signs that occur with constipation in a baby:
- from birth, the baby’s bowel movements occur every two or three days, and not after each feeding,
- in newborns, the stool is hard, sometimes with blood, as it scratches the wall of the rectum,
- the smell of feces is similar to the smell of gasoline or the smell of rot,
- green stool
- The baby's bowel movements are accompanied by crying.
Effective remedies for constipation in babies
If the above symptoms are present in a child, the question arises - how to treat constipation in an infant?
If the disease has caught the baby for the first time, then you can give dill water. However, Dr. Komarovsky writes the following about this remedy in his books: “With insufficient water intake, the consistency of intestinal juices thickens. This interferes with the processing of food, which leads to stomach pain. Based on this, pediatricians have found a good method to treat abdominal pain - dill water. The child was not given the required amount of water, and he cried. After using dill water, the pain went away and the stool improved. Only dill has nothing to do with it. You can just as easily drink parsley, celery and salad water.” So, it turns out that proven remedies for constipation in infants are completely ineffective.
Types of constipation
The cause of constipation in a child can be either a physiological or mental condition.
There are several types of constipation in children 4–5 years old:
- Functional is the most common type of constipation in children of this age. Occurs as a result of poor nutrition, lack of routine, insufficient drinking of water, and various chronic diseases;
- The organic type is associated with congenital or acquired anomalies in the development of the digestive and intestinal organs; this kind of constipation can only be treated in a hospital and surgically;
- Psychological – this type of constipation is directly related to the age of the child; it is by the age of 4–5 that feelings of shame, fear, and embarrassment appear. A child may refuse to go to the toilet in unfamiliar places, places other than home, for example, at a party or in kindergarten. There may also be a feeling of fear of pain if the child experienced pain once during a bowel movement.
What to give to a baby: regular or dill water?
The main thing you need to understand is that the more water the baby drinks, the better the food is processed.
If drinking water does not help a newborn with constipation, the baby can be cured by resorting to pharmaceutical drugs.
The choice of medications for constipation in infants on the pharmaceutical market is huge.
Medicines for constipation in newborns are very popular: syrups, powders for preparing suspensions, and other liquid forms of laxatives that can be given to infants.
Constipation in newborns is treated with laxative tablets dissolved in liquid.
Popular syrups with a laxative effect “Duphalak” and “Portalak” help a baby with constipation.
Capsules whose contents are dissolved in breast milk, Linex, Maxilak, Normobakt L, help relieve constipation for infants.
The microenema medicine "Microlax" helps the baby to empty his intestines within the first 15 minutes after administration.
A regular enema with the smallest bulb and water at room temperature effectively helps with constipation for newborns. The disadvantage of this remedy is that not all parents can use the enema correctly, and the baby may be too active, which additionally interferes with this treatment.
Constipation in a newborn can be treated with folk remedies. Glycerin suppositories help effectively combat this intestinal problem. Small in size and with no side effects, they are appreciated by young mothers.
It is not difficult to administer them to your baby, and the effect occurs literally in 10 minutes.
It has been noticed that after the first use of glycerin suppositories, the baby effortlessly empties the intestines, calms down, and falls asleep faster.
Constipation in newborns disappears when bowel movements occur 1–2 times a day. When treating constipation in newborns, stool does not smell rotten and is soft in consistency.
Causes of this dyspeptic disorder
- the child drinks little fluid,
- formula is not suitable for a formula-fed baby,
- the nursing mother of the baby eats foods that negatively affect the digestive system,
- a sharp transition from breastfeeding to artificial milk formulas or an incorrect jump from one formula to another,
- problems associated with intestinal obstruction,
- sphincter weakness.
How to do it right for a child at home
To carry out the procedure correctly you will need:
- oilcloth;
- diaper;
- pot;
- a syringe for babies and an Esmarch mug for an older child;
- solution prepared in advance;
- thermometer for water.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap. Boil the pear (be sure to have a rubber tip, plastic can scratch delicate skin) for 30 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Lubricate the tip of the enema with Vaseline or baby cream.
Squeeze the can and release the air from it. Slowly unclench and draw the required amount of enema solution (table below). Monitor the baby's breathing; fluid is administered only while inhaling.
Table of correspondence between the volume of solution (in ml) and the age of the child.
| 1-3 months | 20-30 ml |
| 3-6 months | 50-70 ml |
| 6-12 months | 100 ml |
| 1-5 years | 180-200 ml |
| 6-7 years | 200-250 ml |
| 8-9 years | 400-500 ml |
| Over 9 years old | 500 ml or more. |
It is important to correctly calculate the volume of liquid. Too much of it can cause pain, and too little will reduce effectiveness.
The correct temperature for the procedure is 25-30 degrees. Compliance with the temperature regime increases the absorption of nutrients. For older children, the water can be made cooler. Cold water provokes stomach spasms, while warm water will be actively absorbed along with toxins from the stool.
In infants, the effectiveness of the procedure depends on the position of the baby and careful fixation. Carry out washing together on a changing table covered with oilcloth (put a diaper on top). The baby should lie on his back, legs raised up. Do not administer the solution to a child if he is lying on his stomach. Insert the enema into the anus 3-4 cm. The movements should be directed towards the navel, then towards the spine. Do not press sharply - this may cause pain. Carefully, using gentle pressure, empty the enema. Do not unclench the bulb so that the water is not sucked back in. Remove the device from the anus. Squeeze the baby's buttocks tightly, turn him onto his stomach, on his right and left sides - help the liquid to be evenly distributed throughout the intestines. Massage the abdomen - stroke with your hand in a clockwise direction. Compliance with all conditions guarantees the effect within 15-25 minutes. For severe constipation, one enema is not enough. The next one is allowed to be delivered after 6 hours.
An enema for a 3-year-old child with constipation is performed using the same method. Older children should lie on their right side with their knees bent.
An enema for a child who is constipated is a last resort.
The process is complex and requires compliance with all rules, including cleanliness of hands and the correct calculated volume of water. Upon completion of the procedure, wash the child, wash the mother’s hands with soap, and disinfect the instruments.
Artificial formulas for babies
If for some reason a mother cannot breastfeed her baby, then a wide selection of formulas comes to the rescue. Each newborn is individual, so when choosing a formula you need to focus on his reaction. For constipation, a baby should choose a mixture without palm oil. For example, Semilak Premium reduces the likelihood of constipation.
The benefits of tea with a laxative effect
- This drink can not only eliminate the problem of difficult passage of feces through the intestines, but also normalize digestive processes.
- If you have bad bowel movements associated with stress and social adaptation, for example, when you first meet kindergarten, this tea will relax the central nervous system and increase the level of enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Thanks to this, the child’s appetite will improve and immunity will increase, as the body will be cleansed of unnecessary substances.
- When taking laxative teas, the rate of absorption of nutrients through the walls of the intestines and stomach improves, which contributes to the harmonious growth and development of the child.
- Natural teas, used to combat constipation and cramps resulting from them, also contain essential microelements for full development.
- Also, in addition to being a laxative, these teas have a calming effect, and therefore night sleep improves when consumed.
What absolutely should not be done
Some mothers and grandmothers believe that the best remedy for constipation is candles made from laundry soap. But doing them is very dangerous. They contain a large amount of alkali, which corrodes the walls of the rectum. As a result, ulcers form with bleeding, and the mucous membrane is injured. After using this method, you will need to treat the rectum.
In addition, this method has a rather painful effect on the child.
You should not abuse laxatives, as they have a number of side effects.
| Type of medicine with laxative properties | Consequences of laxatives |
| Volumetric | Combination of water particles, which increases the volume of intestinal contents |
| Annoying | Irritation of the intestinal walls, resulting in increased peristalsis |
| Saline or osmotic | Salts cannot be absorbed into the intestines |
A neglectful approach to choosing a remedy for constipation in a newborn dooms the baby to further health problems for the rest of his life.
Only in extreme cases, under the supervision of specialists, is it permissible to resort to such treatment methods.
List of recommended drugs
"Duphalac" is a drug consisting of only 2 components: purified water and lactulose. Lactulose is a natural disaccharide consisting of fructose and galactose molecules. In fact, it is a prebiotic, which is food for lacto- and bifidobacteria.
Duphalac is safe for children because it is completely natural, is practically not absorbed into the bloodstream and has a local effect.
"Duphalac"
The product is available in plastic bottles of various sizes and disposable 15 ml sachets. The last option is suitable for always carrying the drug with you.
Once in the intestines, the product is broken down into organic acids: acetic, lactic and butyric, thanks to which intestinal motility improves. Due to oxidative processes and fluid retention, stool softens.
As a pleasant bonus, the drug enriches the intestinal microflora with beneficial microorganisms.
For children 2-3 years old, the daily dose of the drug is 10 ml, which can be divided into several doses.
Medicine in a measuring cup
"Normaze" . Like the previous drug, the main ingredient is lactulose. However, there are additives: citric acid and creamy flavoring. The product is available in the form of tablets and syrup; for children, of course, syrup is preferable.
"Normaze"
The principle of action of the product is the same as that of Duphalac, and the dosage is 5-10 ml per day.
The syrup is transparent, colorless or light yellow with a brownish tint.
"Forlax" is a drug whose main active ingredient is Macrogol 4000 (ethylene glycol). The product is available in powder form, which has a pleasant citrus aroma. The powder must be dissolved in water and the resulting suspension must be drunk.
The drug is packaged in convenient sachets of 4 or 10 g, which are packed in 10 or 20 pieces per box. For children aged 2-3 years, a single dosage is 4 g.
"Forlax"
"Forlax" is practically not absorbed into the intestinal walls and is excreted unchanged. The mechanism of action of the drug is such that when it enters the intestines, it draws in liquid, swells, and the resulting lump irritates the intestinal walls, stimulating peristalsis. The laxative effect occurs 1-2 days after using the drug.
The drug is diluted
“Pomogusha” is a syrup based on lactulose, fennel fruits, caraway seeds, anise, cherries, apples and strawberry leaves. In addition, the composition contains citric acid and a complex of vitamins. Thanks to the components included in the product, intestinal motor function improves, gas formation decreases, the growth of beneficial bacteria increases, the processes of fermentation and putrefaction are reduced, and most importantly, it has a laxative effect.
The product is recommended to be used as an additional source of vitamins.
The drug is available in 100 ml bottles. For children 3 years old, the dosage is 15 ml per day, it can be divided into several doses.
Line of syrups "Pomogusha"
"Regulax" is a laxative based on the fruits and leaves of senna. In addition, the composition includes: mineral oil, citric acid, sugar syrup and lemon flavor.
The drug is available in the form of chewable cubes and drops, the latter being preferable for small children. The dosage for children 3 years old is 5-8 drops, it is better to use the product before bedtime, and the next morning the effect of its use will be visible. The action of Regulax is aimed at irritating the nerve fibers of the intestine and accelerating the movement of intestinal contents. The drug is not absorbed into the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and does not enter the liver.
"Regulax"
“Glycerol” is a laxative drug whose main component is glycerin, in addition, it also contains stearic acid and sodium bicarbonate.
The product is available in the form of rectal suppositories and mixture, which is also administered through the anus. To eliminate constipation in a baby, it is enough to use 1 candle, which will effectively soften the stool. The action begins within 20-40 minutes.
"Glycerol" suppositories
"Guttalax" is a laxative based on sodium picosulfate. Excipients: sodium benzoate, sodium citrate dihydrate, citric acid, sorbitol.
The product is available in the form of drops in bottles of 15 and 30 ml. The drug improves intestinal motility by irritating its mucous membrane, and also helps accumulate fluid and electrolytes in the colon. All this contributes to softening the stool and its rapid evacuation. For children 3 years old, the dosage is 1 drop per 10 kg of weight.
"Guttalax"
Sodium sulfate is a drug with a single component, which is shown in the name. The salt is available in the form of a white powder, packaged in packs of 25 and 50 g. To use, dissolve the salt in warm water and drink.
For children, the dosage is calculated based on the formula 1 g per 1 year of life. The drug acts on intestinal receptors and also helps to accumulate water inside it, which leads to softening of stool and its rapid movement. The effect occurs after 4-5 hours. The product is prescribed only by a doctor and is suitable for one-time use for severe constipation.
Microclysters
In addition to powders, drops and suppositories, microenemas are very effective.
Microlax is a laxative in the form of small capsules with an enema-like tip for insertion into the anus. The drug is convenient because it is packaged in separate 5 ml bottles with a adjusted dosage of the laxative. Active ingredients of microlax: sorbitol, sodium citrate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sorbic acid, glycerol and water.
For children 2-3 years old, 1 microenema is enough to achieve a pronounced effect. Its effect begins in about 30 minutes.
"Mikrolaks"
For reference! An ordinary enema with a rubber bulb does not lose its relevance. To relieve constipation, you can use a solution with the addition of petroleum jelly, castor oil or glycerin.
How to give an enema to a child
