Constipation in a child is observed quite often, and this is due to the imperfection of his digestive system. Microflora in a baby is often disturbed, and as a result of this, problems with the defecation process are observed. You can get rid of them by correcting the daily diet, and if the diet does not give the desired result, then laxatives are used for constipation for children, presented in a wide range.
Indications for use
In case there are problems with the bowel movement, medications are indicated for the treatment of constipation in a child. Funds are selected purely individually, depending on the age of the baby and the characteristics of his body. Before taking the medicine, you must definitely consult with your doctor.
Special laxatives help to normalize the functioning of the intestines, soften feces and remove them from the body much faster. Since the number of bowel movements in a child is individual, many parents cannot independently determine constipation. In case of pain when stool is released, certain laxatives should be taken.
The absence of a bowel movement for more than a day in infants indicates the presence of constipation.
Drug Release Form
The remedy for children from constipation is prescribed purely individually, depending on the age of the child. Babies are not prescribed tablets in tablet form, so certain forms of drugs are used. There are 3 main forms of release of laxatives for children, namely:
- rectal suppositories intended for local use;
- syrups;
- microclysters.
The main component of rectal suppositories is glycerin, the use of which is allowed from birth. The composition of syrups contains lactulose, which has a mild laxative effect. However, it is worth remembering that taking some laxative drugs can trigger flatulence. Microclysters are considered the safest and fastest drug suitable for a newborn.
For children from one year, the remedy for constipation is prescribed in the form of syrups, drops and candles. Since the selected medicine is added to drink or food, it should have a pleasant taste and not have a pungent smell. It must be borne in mind that some medications can cause discomfort and nausea.
For a child older than 6 years, the form of release of the drug is completely suitable, so you can use:
- capsules;
- drops;
- tablets;
- powders;
- candles.
Normalize the functioning of the intestine will allow the use of an enema. Using thoroughly washed syringes, clean warm water is introduced into the intestines. The most important thing is to accurately calculate the required volume of injected fluid so as not to harm the child.
Laxatives for newborns
A big problem for parents is constipation in infants, since at this age it is forbidden to give potent medicines. To do this, there are safe laxatives for babies. "Glycerol" is available in the form of rectal suppositories containing glycerin. This is a fast-acting laxative against constipation for a 1 year old child, which has an irritating effect on the intestinal wall and makes stool more fluid. This is an effective fast-acting drug. However, it is not recommended for regular use.
The drug "Microlax" is considered a complex effect due to the content of sodium citrate and sorbitol. It helps to quickly soften feces and increases the flow of fluid into the intestine.
Means for children from constipation "Dufalac" is most often used to treat constipation. It includes natural dietary fiber. It is worth noting certain features of this drug, namely:
- not absorbed into the intestinal wall;
- acts as a probiotic;
- not addictive;
- approved for continuous use.
The only contraindication to the use of all these funds are considered abnormalities of the intestine, as well as pathology.
Laxatives for children from 3 to 7 years
There are various remedies for constipation in children of 2 years, since for a more adult baby you can apply:
- Vaseline oil;
- sorbitol and xylitol;
- Guttalax drug.
Normal petrolatum oil is considered the simplest and most reliable means that facilitates the passage of feces, and is also not absorbed in the body. However, it is worth noting that when using this drug, side effects may occur.
Sorbitol and xylitol are alcohols that contribute to the retention of water in the intestinal lumen, as a result of which the feces are softened and eliminated more quickly.
The drug "Guttalax" refers to synthetic agents consisting of triarylmethane. The drug acts only in the colon, while enhancing its peristalsis. Side effects are very rare.
Laxatives for children over 12 years old
Students are prescribed a more powerful remedy for children from constipation, which helps to quickly and effectively cope with an existing problem. The most popular drug is Senade, which is made on the basis of senna leaves. It helps stimulate the functioning of the intestines. This medicine is available in tablet form and acts 10-12 hours after administration. The dosage method is 1-2 tablets at night.
The drug "Regulax" is also made on the basis of senna, is available in the form of cubes made on a fruit basis. The dosage is 0.5 or 1 cube per day. Castor oil is considered the most common remedy for children from constipation. It has a stimulating effect on the muscles of the intestine, increasing the amount of feces. This tool must be taken 1 tbsp. l on an empty stomach.
There are many remedies for treating constipation, but they must be selected very carefully, after consulting with a doctor.
Osmotic drugs
Laxatives for constipation for children are used exclusively for symptomatic therapy. To determine and eliminate the cause of this pathological condition, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis.
To choose the most effective and safe drug, you need to take into account the principle of the effect of the drug and possible contraindications. Depending on the mechanism of action on the child’s body, all medicines for constipation are divided into osmotic and irritating.
In addition, there are remedies for constipation for children 3 years old based on probiotics. They have a mild laxative effect, normalize the microflora of the stomach and intestines. Before using drugs, you need to take into account the condition of the child and the reaction of his body to the components that are part of it.
Osmotic drugs are used for symptomatic treatment of children and adults. They have a milder and gentle effect on the body than other groups of drugs. Therefore, their admission is allowed for children under 10 years of age.
The action of osmotic drugs is to increase the osmotic pressure in the intestine. This is due to the ability of the constituent components to take water from surrounding tissues, thereby softening the stool. They become softer, and the act of defecation is much easier. Basically, such products are available in powder form.
Probiotics
Probiotics laxatives are considered safe drugs. They basically contain food components that, after ingestion, penetrate the lower parts of the digestive system without changing their structure. These drugs contribute to the normalization of bacterial balance and have a positive effect on the intestinal microflora.
Medicines based on probiotics can be used to eliminate problems with feces of an acute and chronic nature. Since these drugs are not addictive, it is allowed to use them for a long time. In the first few days of taking this medicine, side effects in the form of flatulence can be observed, but it passes very quickly. The bowel movement is normalized literally 2-3 days after taking the drug.
Probiotics help stimulate bowel wall contraction and promote fluid retention in this organ. This process occurs due to the effects of organic acids. There is only one contraindication to the use of these drugs, namely, individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
Irritant Laxative
The laxative of the irritating effect is characterized by the fact that it contains exclusively plant components. They are considered quite effective, but at the same time they have a number of contraindications and side effects. Such drugs are available in the form of tablets, suppositories and drops.
The mechanism of action is to irritate the nerve fibers of the intestinal wall. The reaction to these drugs is increased secretion and contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall. As a result, feces are excreted much faster and easier.
While taking these medications, various side effects may occur. Frequent and prolonged use of them can lead to a loss of sensitivity of nerve endings, which leads to a decrease in the tone of a particular organ. Therefore, sometimes it becomes necessary to use a larger dosage of the drug.
Due to the large amount of accumulated feces, along with a significant stimulating effect, the child may experience pain and discomfort in the abdomen. This is due to the fact that feces affect pain receptors. For the category of annoying medicines, there are a number of certain contraindications, in particular such as:
- infancy
- soreness in the abdomen;
- inflammatory process;
- intestinal obstruction;
- peritonitis;
- pancreatitis
If the child will constantly take such a remedy, then he may develop a disease, the main signs of which will be a violation of the water-salt balance and the death of the nerve tissue of the intestine.
Most popular remedies
The best remedy for constipation for children is selected purely individually, taking into account the condition of the baby and its physiological characteristics. Preparations with a laxative effect, it is advisable to use along with a specially selected diet.
A good remedy is Dufalac, which contains lactulose syrup, due to which the osmotic effect is exerted. This tool belongs to probiotics, it allows you to normalize the intestinal microflora and the bowel movement. The drug "Dufalac" helps to eliminate dysbiosis, as well as constipation. This medicine is prescribed for 5-10 ml for 2 years old babies, and is taken undiluted or a little water is added.
Children are often prescribed Bisacodyl suppositories, as they help get rid of the constipation problem very quickly. This drug enhances intestinal muscle contraction and is considered an emergency laxative. The result is observed literally within an hour after the suppository is introduced into the rectum. However, it is worth remembering that there are certain contraindications to the use of this tool, which can include such as:
- children's age up to a year;
- inflammatory processes;
- intestinal obstruction;
- intestinal cramps.
For the treatment of constipation, a child 2-7 years old is prescribed half a candle once a day. Children aged 7-14 are prescribed 1 suppository per day.
Effective means are candles with glycerin, which are irritating to the rectal mucosa. This tool refers to emergency techniques. It is prescribed if the use of oral drugs does not bring relief. Children under 2 years of age are prescribed this medicine individually, in exceptional cases.
The drug "Glycelax" is available in the form of suppositories, which are introduced into the rectum. The composition of the drug includes glycerin, which has a laxative effect. After about 1 hour, the bowel movement begins.
What drugs are prohibited for a child?
Any remedy used to treat constipation in a child must be agreed with the attending doctor, to study the composition of the medicine and the possible consequences of its use. There are certain drugs that are prohibited for children. First of all, you can not take drugs based on magnesia and sodium salts. They can provoke dehydration and lead to a deterioration in the well-being of the child.
A diphenol-based product can cause an allergic reaction and a malfunction of internal organs. Many side effects can trigger medications that include prokinetics. In particular, it is forbidden to use such means as “Primer”, “Ganaton”, “Trimedat” for the treatment of children.
Folk remedies for constipation
Many are interested if the child has constipation what to do. Folk remedies for treating the baby are prescribed quite often. There are many fairly simple and safe recipes to get rid of an existing problem.
Such
folk remedies for constipation in children as sea kale and bran help very well. They need to be added to food or consumed as an independent dish. To solve the problem with the defecation process allows a product made from grated rosehip leaves and sugar. Need to eat 1 tbsp. l the resulting mixture 3 times a day.
If constipation is observed in a child at 3 years old, folk remedies help soften feces and improve their excretion. Recommended consumption of decoctions of raisins, dried fruits, tea made from apples and cherries. In order to prevent constipation, cabbage brine and oat jelly are used.
Among folk remedies for constipation in children over 5 years old, senna leaves can be distinguished. For this, 1 tbsp. l herbs need to be poured with boiling water and let it brew well. Take this tool 3 times a day for 1 tbsp. l
Stool retention can signal serious illness. That is why, if the treatment of constipation in children with folk remedies did not bring the desired result, then you need to contact the doctor so that he prescribes competent adequate therapy.