Constipation in a child 2 years old - what to do? Causes and treatment of constipation in children 2 years old

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Babies can very often have bowel problems. After all, their body is still being formed. But besides the main problem, there is another one. The baby cannot explain to his parents what worries him. Therefore, one should be extremely careful in order to recognize in time the symptoms that characterize constipation in a child (2 years old). And it is important to know how to help the baby.

Causes of constipation

Impaired bowel movements in babies are most often provoked by the wrong diet of the crumbs or the nursing mother.

Doctors identify the following causes of constipation in children 2 years old:

1. Insufficient fluid intake. This is one of the main sources of pathology.
2. Intestinal dysbacteriosis. Often this disease is a consequence of diseases transferred during pregnancy. May develop as a result of toxicosis or threatened miscarriage.
3. Decreased intestinal motility. Pathology occurs in children whoeat food that does not ensure the active functioning of the digestive tract. Such dishes include liquid cereals, chopped food.
4. Inactivity, hypotension. Inactivity negatively affects all body systems. The digestive tract also suffers from it. As a result of low activity, the walls and muscles of the intestines can atrophy.
5. Hypotrophy. Weak intestinal walls are unable to push through the accumulated stool.
6. An abundance of medicines. Often, constipation in a child (2 years old) is provoked by uncontrolled intake of drugs aimed at improving the process of defecation or digestion.
7. Worm infestations. A common cause of broken stools.
8. Diseases. Gastritis, diabetes mellitus, thyroid pathology, and ulcers can lead to constipation. Cracks in the rectum or hemorrhoids can break the stool in a child.
9. Adverse drug reactions. The use of certain medications can lead to an unpleasant condition. Constipation occurs after taking drugs: antihypertensives, antihistamines, antidepressants, codeine, diuretics, antibiotics.

If there is constant constipation in a child (2 years old), then it is very important to establish the true cause of this phenomenon. Often, a similar picture is typical for those crumbs whose parents suffer from impaired defecation. Therefore, a hereditary factor cannot be ruled out.

Provoking a problem can be the transfer of the baby to artificial feeding. Sometimes there is psychological constipation in a child of 2 years. After all, the baby is very susceptible tothe influence of various factors. This condition may be based on weaning, the first visit to the nursery, the rejection of diapers and potty training.

How to identify the problem

A two-year-old should have a bowel movement daily. However, don't panic if this doesn't happen. Doctors recommend watching the baby. If a child is in a great mood, he plays, laughs, and when it comes time to eat, he completely empties the plate, is it worth suspecting constipation? Having eaten, the baby falls asleep soundly and wakes up in a great mood.

Pediatricians say that in such a situation, even if the baby has not emptied the intestines for the second day, there is no reason to panic. Every baby has its own rhythm. Therefore, initially you should focus on the well-being of the child.

The following standard has been adopted in pediatrics. The process of defecation can occur from 3 times a day to 3 times a week. At the same time, the baby does not experience discomfort, and bowel movements are easy. This is a physiological norm.

How to identify constipation in a child 2 years old?

The following symptoms indicate the problem:

• lack of bowel movements for 1 day (when combined with other symptoms);
• weakness, lethargy;
• loss of appetite;
• feces have a dense consistency;
• abdominal pain;
• disturbed sleep;
• bloating;
• small amount of feces;
• worry, crying;
• blood-streaked stool;
• nausea.

What is the pathology dangerous?

Parents just need to know if a child (2 years old) is constipated, what to do in this situation. Since such a problem can provoke quite negative consequences.

The accumulation of feces in the body can lead to:

• circulatory disorders;
• intoxication of the body;
• intestinal fissures and hemorrhoids;
• nutrient deficiencies resulting in reduced immunity, anemia;
• inflammation of the mucosa;
• increased gas formation;
• development of a neurological problem (the baby begins to be afraid of the defecation process);
• intestinal obstruction;
• colon cancer.

Treatment methods

So, if you suspect constipation in a child (2 years), what to do in this situation? The best solution is to seek help from a pediatrician. After all, the source of this problem can be a variety of pathologies. Without diagnostics, it is extremely difficult to identify diseases.

In addition, individual therapy is selected for the treatment of the child. Only a doctor can adequately take into account all the factors: the causes of the disease, the severity of the condition, age, concomitant diseases, the psychological characteristics of the crumbs.

Main areas of therapy:

• diet food;
• drinking mode;
• gymnastics;
• drug treatment.

Anxiety symptoms

It should be understood that there are situations when constipationa child (2 years old or younger - not so important) needs emergency medical attention.

Symptoms accompanying constipation require immediate medical attention:

1. Hyperthermia. The common cold cannot be ruled out. However, an increase in temperature can be triggered by fecal intoxication. Only a doctor can determine the true cause of hyperthermia.
2. Vomiting. This is one of the signs of increasing intoxication. In addition, it is dangerous due to rapid dehydration.
3. Streaks of blood. They may indicate hemorrhoids, fissures or other pathologies. Only a doctor can correctly diagnose a pathology.
4. Pain in the abdomen is accompanied by a characteristic "gurgling".
5. Loose stool seeps through constipation.

First Aid

If the baby is unsuccessful bowel movement, then the parents should help the baby. One of the effective methods is the use of glycerin suppositories. They are considered completely safe for the baby. In addition, they are allowed to be used even for one-year-old children.

Another great method that can help quickly is a cleansing enema for a child (2 years old). In case of constipation, it is recommended to add a little glycerin to a glass of boiled cool water.

In order not to hurt the baby and not harm his he alth, this procedure should be performed correctly.

The following tips will make giving the enema as easy as possible:

1. The tip must be lubricated with oil or cream.
2. The pear must be disinfected.
3. Do not use warm water. Such liquid is quickly absorbed into the intestines and pulls toxins along with it. Doctors strongly recommend using cool water. The temperature of the liquid should be slightly below room temperature.
4. Be sure to control the amount of liquid that is poured into the child's body. Large amounts of water can cause intestinal distension. This will hurt the little one. Doctors advise infants 1-2 years of age to inject 200-250 ml of water. For children from 2 years to 6, the volume of liquid increases to 300 ml.

However, this method should not be abused. Parents should understand that administering an enema provides a temporary laxative effect. And the treatment of constipation in a child of 2 years old can only be prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, after this procedure, the baby should definitely be shown to the pediatrician.

Diet food

One of the most important roles in the treatment of constipation is proper nutrition. It is impossible to eliminate the disturbed stool without dieting. So, what to give a child with constipation 2 years?

Doctors give the following recommendations:

1. Vegetable, fruit purees are preferred. Such foods are rich in acids and fiber. They perfectly improve intestinal motility. For older children, vegetables and fruits can be given in their usual form, or stewed, boiled. Useful: carrots, beets, cabbage, pumpkin, zucchini, plums.
2. Child should eat fruit with skin. After all, it contains a large number of necessary substances.
3. Salads should be filled with vegetable oil. Absolutely not suitable: sour cream, fatty sauces and mayonnaise. Such foods lead to a stoppage of the intestines.
4. Sour-milk products will provide a beneficial effect. Especially useful for constipation: kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk.
5. Child should drink plenty of fluids. Fruit drinks, ordinary water, compotes, juices are introduced into the diet.
6. Porridges made from whole grains are useful for the baby: buckwheat, millet, corn, wheat.
7. To stimulate intestinal patency, it is recommended to eat bran, whole grain bread.
8. You should not give your baby fried and fatty foods. Banned onions, smoked meats, garlic, white bread, radishes. It is advisable to limit the intake of pasta, potatoes, semolina, rice porridge.

Therapeutic gymnastics

If constipation is observed in a child (2 years old), then it is important to ensure physical mobility for the baby. At the same time, the baby should actively move throughout the day.

Simple exercises can improve intestinal motility:

• squats;
• tilts;
• tuck knees to tummy;
• swing legs (straight and bent);
• press development.

Such gymnastics can be turned into an outdoor game. This is especially liked by kids. For example, instead of the usual squats or bends, you can ask the baby to collect the buttons scattered on the floor. At the same time, set the condition that you should bring one piece at a time.

Massage is an effective help

This is a great procedure. However, it can bringa beneficial effect if the pathology is not in a neglected state. Such treatment of constipation in a 2-year-old child makes it easier to move food through the digestive tract, activates the intestines.

Massage is quite easy. It is recommended to lightly stroke the baby's tummy in a circular motion in a clockwise direction.

Medicated treatment

You should not self-medicate. Only a doctor can recommend the drugs necessary for the baby. Parents should be aware that the frequent use of laxatives (especially without first consulting a doctor) can lead to the development of unpleasant symptoms, such as frustration, allergic reactions. In addition, the child may become addicted to the use of such products.

Therefore, ask the question: "How to treat constipation in a child of 2 years old?" parents should only attending the doctor.

As a rule, doctors prescribe complex therapy:

1. Laxative drugs. Babies can be prescribed drugs: "Duphalac" (syrup), glycerin suppositories, sea buckthorn suppositories.
2. Prokinetics. Often crumbs are recommended medicines "Motilium", "Domperidone".
3. Enzymes. Mezim, Panzinorm, Creon can be prescribed to improve the digestive process.
4. Probiotics. To restore the microflora in the child's body, the doctor will recommend the preparations "Bifidumbacterin", "Acipol", "Hilak Forte", "Lineks".

However, it is extremely important not to resort to such therapy without a doctor's prescription.

Folk recipes

Simple, time-tested ways can help if constipation is observed in children 2 years old. Folk remedies quite effectively and gently affect the child's body. However, when selecting the necessary funds, intestinal tone should be taken into account. Therefore, it is best to discuss the use of traditional recipes with your doctor.

With spastic constipation, accompanied by bloating, chamomile infusion will help perfectly. In case of atony, the doctor will recommend brewing yarrow, nettle. An excellent effect will be provided by berries: lingonberries, gooseberries.

The following folk recipes are popular and effective:

1. Perfectly eliminates constipation introduced into the diet of crumbs prunes. It is used in the form of puree or juice. However, the latter should be given to the baby only in a diluted form (1:1).
2. Bran perfectly softens the stool. It is recommended to add them to yogurt, cereals.
3. Carrot juice will bring a beneficial effect. It is recommended to drink only freshly squeezed drink. To benefit from it, juice must be consumed before meals.
4. Cucumber puree will help to cope with an unpleasant state. It is also recommended to take it before meals.
5. Allows you to adjust the stool in children is another effective tool. To make it, you need to take cumin, chamomile flowers and dill seeds in the following ratio: 2: 1: 1. This composition will need 1 tbsp. a spoon. It is poured with boiling water - 0.5 liters. The composition must be infused for 2 hours. Acceptthis remedy is recommended in the amount of 1 teaspoon three times a day, 15 minutes before meals.
6. Flaxseed oil will bring benefits. It can be taken on an empty stomach in a small spoonful. Quite effective and another means. It is recommended to mix honey and linseed oil in equal amounts. This mixture should be thoroughly mixed. This medicine is added to natural yogurt. Baby should drink it before bed.

Daily routine

It is important from childhood to accustom the child to the correct routine. If you do not ignore the daily routine and establish proper nutrition, then the tendency to constipation can be easily eliminated in a two-year-old baby. As a rule, by the age of 3, the defecation process in this case is completely stabilized.

Parents should form the habit of "going" to the toilet at a certain time in the baby. The best time to empty your bowels is in the morning. This allows you to prepare the child both psychologically and physiologically for the daily process of defecation. It's also important to start the day with 1 cup of water.

Do not forget that constipation in a two-year-old baby is not yet a pathology. Such a problem is easily eliminated if all necessary measures are taken in a timely manner.