Question
Recently observed in a 3-year-old child an extended interval of stool passage to over 3 days, with the stool appearing in bead-like shapes, making the defecation process difficult. What might cause this phenomenon? How can it be effectively solved and prevented?
Answer
In hot weather, children are prone to internal heat and insufficient water, leading to constipation. To improve this situation, it is recommended to increase the child’s water intake, especially avoiding drinks containing dairy products or juices, as these beverages not only fail to replenish moisture but also consume it from the body. At the same time, it is advisable to avoid giving foods that may cause internal heat, such as hot fruits, biscuits, and puffed snacks. For the current constipation issue, increasing water intake is the primary solution. If the child does not experience constipation frequently, adequate water supplementation should effectively alleviate the symptoms.