Why Do Children Often Suffer from Constipation?

Question

Why do children often experience constipation, especially those who are breastfed and occasionally supplemented with milk?

Answer

Pediatric constipation is a common condition with various causes, generally categorized into two types: functional constipation and constipation caused by congenital intestinal malformation. Functional constipation can usually be treated with proper management, while congenital intestinal malformation requires surgical correction. Most cases of pediatric constipation are functional. Insufficient diet may lead to a reduction in residual substances after digestion, thereby reducing the amount of stool. The lack of sugar in milk may make the stool dry. Long-term insufficient diet may lead to malnutrition, affecting the strength of abdominal and intestinal muscles, making defecation difficult and possibly leading to chronic constipation. The nature of stool is closely related to the composition of food.