What causes constipation in children?

What causes constipation in children?

Children often become constipated because they hold in stool. As a result, the colon absorbs too much fluid and the stool becomes dry and hard to pass. Children may hold in stool because they:

• Don’t want to stop whatever activity they’re doing, such as playing.
• Are embarrassed to use a public bathroom.
• Are worried the bowel movement will be painful.
• Are nervous about learning to use the bathroom or are not ready developmentally for toilet training.

Other causes of constipation in children include:

• A low-fiber diet
• Not getting enough fluids
• Certain medications, including antacids, anticholinergics for muscle spasms, narcotics for pain, and some treatments for depression
• Health problems that make the stool move slowly through the colon
• Problems with the way the gastrointestinal system works
• Irritable bowel syndrome (the colon muscle tightens quickly)
• An illness that causes a loss of appetite
• Stress caused by school or by changes in routine, weather or travel