Question
On average, bowel movements every 2-3 days, crying and disturbances at night
Answer
It is recommended to conduct a trace element test to see if it is related to a deficiency in elements. The causes of constipation in children are numerous, mainly including the following points:
- Insufficient Diet: When children eat too little, the residue in the digestive tract is reduced, leading to fewer bowel movements; insufficient sugar content in milk makes the stool dry; prolonged insufficient diet can lead to malnutrition, making the abdominal and intestinal muscles weak, with insufficient tension and weak peristalsis, causing stubborn constipation.
- Inappropriate Food Composition: Constipation is closely related to the composition of food. An excess of protein and insufficient carbohydrates in the diet can reduce the fermentation bacteria in the intestines, affecting fermentation and causing alkaline and dry stool, leading to constipation. Foods high in casein can cause an increase in stool containing undissolved calcium soaps, making constipation more likely. Additionally, refined rice flour and refined wheat flour, with less residue than whole grains, are more likely to cause constipation.
- Abnormal Intestinal Function: Due to irregular lifestyles and defecation habits, the formation of defecation reflex may weaken or not form at all, leading to relaxed intestinal muscles and constipation. Certain drugs or diseases that can weaken intestinal wall muscle strength and disrupt function, as well as abnormal sympathetic nerve function, can also lead to constipation.
- Genetic and Physiological Defects: Some children are constipated even after birth. A family history may be related to genetics. Certain physiological defect diseases such as anal fissure, anal stenosis, congenital megacolon, etc., can also cause constipation.
- Psychological Factors