Problems of bowel movements in children are common enough, and they are due to various reasons. This may be due to physiological or psychological moments in the life of the baby. At 3 years, an active growth of the child's body is observed, therefore, during this period, the occurrence of violations in its work is quite possible.
Be sure to treat after the first signs of constipation in a child. There are special laxatives that help normalize the bowel movement.
Organic reasons
Organic constipation is characterized by the fact that the main "culprit" of defecation failure is the abnormal structure of the intestine. Violations can be congenital or acquired throughout life. Congenital pathologies, which include innervation of the large intestine or lengthening of the sigmoid colon, can be detected in the first year of a baby's life.
If a child 3 years old against the background of the usual rhythm of life there is a violation of the act of defecation, the doctor may suspect the presence of certain obstacles in the intestines. It can be a swelling or adhesion. In this case, the child has pain and bloating in the abdomen. Such a condition can provoke intestinal obstruction, therefore, urgent surgical intervention is required.
Physiological reasons
Functional constipation in a 3-year-old child occurs for several reasons, in particular, such as:
- prolonged malnutrition;
- the presence of helminths;
- food allergy;
- thyroid problems.
In violation of the drinking regimen, a deficiency of fluid in the body occurs. Among the causes of constipation in a child of 3 years, a lack of enzymes should be highlighted. A similar problem can be congenital or acquired. In this case, the food begins to be digested very poorly. Constipation in a child after antibiotics occurs due to an imbalance in the microflora. At the same time, fermentation processes begin to occur in the intestine.
In addition, other reasons can provoke violations, in particular, such as:
- rickets;
- disruption of the nervous system;
- excessive use of medications;
- frequent use of enemas.
As a result of all these factors, the functioning of the intestine and peristalsis begins to be disrupted. The mucous membrane of this organ is also damaged, therefore, the movement of food is somewhat difficult.
Psychological reasons
In some cases, psychological constipation may occur in a child of 3 years. Komarovsky says that various causes of a psychological nature can affect the bowel movement. The call for bowel movement occurs after feces affect the nerve receptors on its walls. Such signals enter the brain, which gives the command to the defecation process.
If the child is in unnatural conditions for him, for example, in kindergarten or at a party, then he can independently restrain such urges. As a result, feces begin to accumulate and condense. During the bowel movement, they injure the rectum, causing pain. As a result, the child begins to be afraid to go to the toilet even at home, as he expects the occurrence of unpleasant sensations.
Separately, doctors distinguish a single violation of bowel movements in children, which may be associated with the consumption of products that have fixing properties, prolonged stay in a hot room, and fever. In this case, special treatment is not required, it is enough to normalize the drinking regimen.
Main symptoms
Regardless of the cause of constipation in a child of 3 years, there are certain signs of such a violation. It is worth noting that the baby at this age can already signal the presence of a problem and attract the attention of parents. The main signs of a defecation disorder are discomfort or pain. Even if the child does not complain about the presence of unpleasant sensations, then you need to observe how he behaves on the potty. Among the main features can be identified such as:
- tense posture;
- mixing knees;
- emphasis heels on the floor;
- fear of going to the toilet.
It is important to pay attention to the consistency of the stool. Normally, there should be no clots, dry lumps, as well as bloody streaks. If a child reluctantly sits on a potty, cries, is naughty and cannot be emptied for a long time, then this is a very bad sign. In the case of constipation, nausea and severe abdominal pain, you should definitely call an ambulance, as this can be a very alarming sign.
Diagnostics
To determine the causes of constipation in a child of 3 years and prescribe treatment, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. It includes:
- history taking;
- visual inspection;
- laboratory techniques;
- irrigography;
- ultrasound diagnostics.
Irrigography is considered the main and most informative method. It is an X-ray examination of the distal intestine, filled with a contrast medium. Using a similar technique, you can determine:
- incomplete emptying of the rectum;
- increased tone or lengthening of the sigmoid colon;
- reflux.
In addition, differential diagnosis of constipation may be required to determine the presence of other diseases with similar symptoms.
First aid
Regardless of the cause of constipation, a 3-year-old child may sometimes require a very quick fix, as it can provoke various kinds of complications. If the baby suffers from severe pain or the doctor recommended urgently eliminating an obstruction of the intestine, then you can use a laxative, suppository or enema.
A cleansing microclyster “Microlax”, as well as glycerin suppositories, is considered a very good remedy. They act quite effectively due to the content of glycerin, which gently lubricates the intestinal walls, and contribute to a very easy and quick excretion of feces from the body.
At 3 years, constipation can be eliminated by the oral method. Drugs with lactulose and liquid paraffin can be taken even by the smallest children. The latter acts almost the same as suppositories with glycerin, and lactulose increases the amount of feces. The effect of the use of both drugs can be expected in just a few hours.
Treatment feature
Periodic and chronic constipation in children is strictly forbidden to be ignored, as this can lead to various complications and disorders in the body. Any therapy should be carried out strictly under the supervision of a physician. Treatment is prescribed only after determining the cause of constipation in a child of 3 years. It is forbidden to use laxatives intended for adults. Therapy can be of several types, namely:
- symptomatic;
- pathogenetic;
- etiotropic.
Symptomatic treatment is aimed at eliminating the main signs of pathology through the use of laxatives, enemas and physiotherapeutic manipulations aimed at emptying the intestines.
Etiotropic therapy acts on the underlying cause of constipation. This is the most difficult area of therapy, which depends on many different factors, in particular, such as:
- the state of the body of the child;
- diagnostic results;
- features of violation.
Based on the data received, the doctor selects the tactics of the therapy, which can be medication or surgical. Pathogenetic treatment is aimed at stopping the course and spread of the disease.
Indications laxative
Laxative administration is indicated for occasional constipation after consuming stool-binding food. In addition, it is important to follow a special diet, excluding similar products from the diet. If the baby is tormented by constipation and pain in the abdomen, then it is necessary to take medications that normalize intestinal motility, soften feces and facilitate their elimination.
Since the number of bowel movements varies for each person, most parents cannot determine the presence of constipation in the child. It should be noted that the bowel movement should occur at least once every 2 days.
Product release form
The dosage form of the drugs used for constipation is selected strictly individually for each child, depending on the complexity of the problem. In particular, the doctor may prescribe:
- rectal suppositories;
- microclysters;
- solutions and syrups for oral administration.
The main component of rectal suppositories is glycerin, the use of which is allowed from the first days of life. The composition of syrups includes lactulose, which has a very mild laxative effect. However, it is worth noting that against the background of taking such medicines, a side effect may occur, which manifests itself in the form of flatulence. Microclysters are quite safe and fast-acting drugs that are suitable for use by children from the first days of life.
A mild laxative for children 3 years old can be used in the form of drops, candles and syrups. However, it is worth noting that a drug that is added to food should not have an unpleasant aftertaste.
Irritant drugs
These include most laxatives. Their composition includes plant components. They are quite effective, however, they have certain contraindications and side effects. Such tools are available in several forms.
The mechanism of action of such a drug is to irritate the nerve fibers of the intestinal wall. As a result of this, secretion of glands is enhanced, as well as smooth muscle contraction. This leads to faster promotion of feces. Literally after 6-10 hours, bowel movement is noted.
During the period of use of these drugs, certain side effects may occur. Frequent and prolonged use of laxatives leads to a loss of sensitivity of nerve endings, which reduces intestinal tone. A child may experience pain and discomfort in the abdomen, since the promotion of feces affects pain receptors.
If you give the child preparations of this group all the time, then he may experience a laxative disease, the main signs of which are a violation of the water-salt balance and a change in the nervous tissue of the intestine.
Osmotic drugs
Osmotic drugs are used as a symptomatic treatment for constipation in children and adults. They have a very soft and gentle effect. The effect of this drug is that after it enters the intestine, it increases the pressure in this organ. This is due to its ability to take water from surrounding tissues.
The concentration of fluid continues to increase in the intestine, which helps to soften feces. They become softer and more voluminous, and the bowel movement is much easier and faster. Basically, the laxative of this category is presented in powder form.
It is worth noting that the constant use of such a drug can lead to a violation of metabolic processes in the body and hematopoiesis function. Overdose medications can cause abdominal pain. Despite the possibility of prolonged use of an osmotic laxative, it is not recommended to abuse such drugs. Doctors do not recommend the use of such drugs if constipation was provoked by pathologies of the digestive system.
Probiotics Based Medicines
Probiotics-based laxatives are among the safest drugs. They contain food components that, after eating, penetrate the lower parts of the digestive system without changing their structure. They help normalize the bacterial balance of the body and have a very good effect on the body.
It is possible to apply such remedies for single and chronic constipation. They are not addictive, so they can be taken for a long time. In the early days, the child may experience side effects in the form of flatulence, but they pass very quickly. The bowel movement occurs literally 2-3 days after the use of the drug.
Most popular remedies
There are several different laxative drugs designed to eliminate constipation in a 3 year old child. Among the most popular tools you need to highlight such as:
- Guttalax
- Mikrolaks;
- Dufalac
- Hilak Forte
- "Lactulose";
- candles with glycerin.
According to the instructions for use, Hilak Forte for children helps to reduce the symptoms of recurrent constipation. They include probiotics that help normalize the digestion process and stimulate the intestinal microflora. The instructions for use "Hilak Forte" for children indicate that the effect of the drug does not begin immediately, but only after 1-2 days after taking it. In addition, the drug destroys pathogens. A feature of the drug is that it can be used from the first days of a child’s life.
The drug "Guttalax" has an irritating effect, helps to make the stool more fluid and facilitates the release of feces. Such a medicine acts very quickly and gently. Literally 6-10 hours after its application, the first results are observed. The daily dosage of the drug is 5-10 drops, which dissolve in water.
According to the instructions for use, Dufalac syrup has a mild laxative effect, normalizes the absorption of phosphates, enhances intestinal motility and helps to remove harmful substances from the body. After taking this medicine, the volume of the intestinal contents increases, which stimulates peristalsis and affects the consistency of the stool. As indicated in the instructions for use, Duphalac syrup should be taken in a dosage of 5-10 ml per day. Sometimes you may need to take the drug for several days.
Another good laxative are glycerin suppositories for children. The instructions for use indicate that they have a very good laxative effect. About an hour after their use, the bowel movement begins. For the child, rectal suppositories containing 1.4 mg of glycerol are intended. According to the instructions for the use of glycerin suppositories for children, this remedy is considered safe for health. The active substance is not absorbed into the blood, however, it has a slight irritating effect on the intestines.