Constipation in Children

Constipation in Children

On this page:

  • What is constipation?
  • What causes constipation in children?
  • What are the symptoms of constipation in children?
  • When should a child with constipation see a doctor?
  • How is constipation in children treated?
  • Points to Remember
  • Hope through Research
  • For More Information

What is constipation?

Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements occur less frequently than usual or stools tend to be hard, dry, and difficult and painful to pass.

Constipation is common in children and is usually without long-term consequences; however, it can diminish a child’s quality of life, cause emotional problems, and create family stress. Rarely, constipation is a sign of a more serious health problem.

What causes constipation in children?

Children often develop constipation as a result of stool withholding. They may withhold stool because they are stressed about potty training, are embarrassed to use a public bathroom, do not want to interrupt playtime, or are fearful of having a painful or unpleasant bowel movement.


The gastrointestinal tract.

Delaying a bowel movement causes stool to become hard, dry, and difficult to pass—sometimes resulting in a large mass of stool in the rectum called a fecal impaction. Stool builds up behind the impaction and may unexpectedly leak, soiling a child’s underwear. Parents often mistake this soiling as a sign of diarrhea.

Other causes of constipation in children include

  • a low-fiber diet
  • certain medications or drugs, such as antacids, opiates, and antidepressants
  • diseases, such as Hirschsprung disease, diabetes, and Down syndrome
  • anatomic abnormalities, such as a birth defect

What are the symptoms of constipation in children?

Symptoms of constipation in children include

  • fewer bowel movements than usual.
  • postures that indicate the child is withholding stool, such as standing on tiptoes and then rocking back on the heels of the feet, clenching buttocks muscles, and other unusual dancelike behaviors. Parents often mistake such postures as attempts to “push.”
  • abdominal pain and cramping.
  • painful or difficult bowel movements.
  • hard, dry, or large stools.
  • stool in the child’s underwear.

When should a child with constipation see a doctor?

A child should see a doctor if symptoms of constipation last for more than 2 weeks. A child should see a doctor sooner if the constipation is accompanied by one or more symptoms that may indicate a more serious health problem, including

  • fever
  • vomiting
  • blood in the stool
  • a swollen abdomen
  • weight loss
  • painful cracks in the skin around the anus, called anal fissures
  • intestine coming out of the anus, called rectal prolapse

The doctor will ask questions about the child’s history of symptoms and will perform a physical examination. The doctor may perform a rectal exam by inserting a gloved finger into the child’s anus to check for anatomical abnormalities and for the presence of a fecal impaction.

How is constipation in children treated?

Constipation is treated by changing diet, taking laxatives, and adopting healthy bowel habits. Treatment depends on the child’s age and the severity of the problem. Dietary changes include eating more high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Laxatives are frequently used to clear a fecal impaction and sometimes to restore regular bowel movements. A doctor should be consulted before giving a laxative to a child. Parents should encourage their child to spend time on the toilet after meals and when their child shows signs of withholding stool.

A child should be seen again by a doctor if treatment fails or if the child begins to show symptoms that suggest a more serious health problem.

Points to Remember

  • Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements occur less frequently than usual or stools tend to be hard, dry, and difficult and painful to pass.
  • Children often develop constipation as a result of stool withholding.
  • A child with constipation should see a doctor if symptoms last for more than 2 weeks.
  • A child should also see a doctor if constipation is accompanied by symptoms that may indicate a more serious health problem.
  • Constipation is treated by changing diet, taking laxatives, and adopting healthy bowel habits.