Vomiting can be caused by many things, most commonly gastroenteritis (the "stomach flu"). Vomiting can cause kids to lose fluids, salts, and minerals,...
Constipation Back
Constipation is a common problem in which a child may have fewer bowel movements (BMs or poops) than usual. It usually isn't a cause for too much concern.
Constipation can often be remedied and prevented with the three Fs: fluids, fiber, and fitness.
Signs and Symptoms
- fewer bowel movements than usual
- straining and pain during bowel movements
- stool (poop) that's hard, dry
- larger stools than usual
- feeling full or bloated
- abdominal (belly) pain
- a little blood on the Bowel Movement (poo)
What to Do
- Give your child plenty of water or juice. If your babyis constipated, ask the doctor about adding prune, apple, or pear juice to the daily diet.
- Increase the fiber in your child's diet. Try apples, pears, oranges, beans, popcorn, oatmeal, and whole-grain breakfast cereals or breads.
- Encourage daily exercise to encourage bowel movements.
- Talk to your doctor before giving your child any medicine for constipation.
Seek Medical Care If your Child Has:
- constipation lasting a week
- liquid stool in the underwear when your child isn't sick
- abdominal (belly) pain
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
Think Prevention!
Skip fatty, sugary, or starchy foods, which can slow the bowels down. Choose fiber-rich foods instead and make sure they're washed thoroughly. Also, making sure kids are active every day will help keep their bowels moving, too.
