Question
An infant of one year old, who is eating normally and receiving good care, has not had a bowel movement for several days. What symptoms might occur in an infant with constipation?
Answer
Infant constipation is a common condition, primarily characterized by difficulty in defecation, dry and hard stool. If an infant goes over 48 hours without a bowel movement, constipation may occur. During constipation, the infant may feel discomfort during defecation and even have a sense of fear, leading to a vicious cycle of further difficulty in defecation. Parents should closely monitor the infant’s bowel movements and seek professional medical advice when necessary.