Infant Constipation

You may wonder what is constipation in an infant, a child, and an adult. This condition can be described as needing to pass stool and not being able to do so. It can feel very painful for people of any age, and has been known to be a source of severe stress. It may even be compared with the pain of trying to give birth.

This condition can also mean not having bowel movements or passing stool very often. The healthy number of times a person should go, within a certain amount of time, varies and can depend on a person's age. Those who are younger should have bowel movements considerably more often than those who are older. It is also defined as digesting food that is moving slowly through the colon or the intestines.

If you or a loved one suffers from this condition, you probably wonder what causes constipation. It can be hard to pinpoint any one thing, because of all the causes of constipation. There are some common culprits to consider, and most of them concern what you put in your body.

Cow's milk is a frequent trigger, since it is high in lactose and this is especially hard on infants. Cheese and foods high in cheese have the same effect. Meat is hard to digest and is often the cause of many digestion problems. Some surprising triggers are vegetable foods that are high in starch, like potatoes and corn. The low fiber, processed breads, and pastas are also suspects.

There are medications and some vitamins, especially iron, that cause bowel problems. Other common medicines to suspect include antacids and some types of pain relievers, like those that contain codeine. If you regularly fight the urge to have a bowel movement, you may become insensitive to feeling the need.

Women may have more trouble with constipation due to hormones. Her periods can cause temporary problems, as can the higher levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy. This condition could be a symptom of diseases like certain kinds of cancers and diabetes. Stress has been known to cause constipation and constipation causes stress.

You may think the symptoms of constipation are always the same and well known. However, it can be more than just having trouble using the bathroom. In addition, it can be hard to recognize constipation symptoms in your offspring.

If you have pain anywhere from the groin area to the lower chest, it is usually considered abdominal pain. This can be a symptom of serious diseases, but it may also be caused by constipation.

Other constipation symptoms include abdominal bloating or swelling. A person may feel sluggish, and just uncomfortable. A person may lose weight due to feeling nauseated. Vomiting may occur due to the blockage. Diarrhea may seem like the opposite of constipation, but sometimes it happens because the passageway is so blocked, that only liquids can pass through.

The shape of the stool can also be an indicator of problems. Hard and dry feces are considered part of the spectrum. Children with this problem may complain of frequent stomach pains. They are also more likely to get small amounts of fecal matter in their pants.

They may be hungry, but feel unable to eat much. Due, to the pain of trying to push out harden stool, young ones may resist even trying. You may also notice them clenching their buttocks, rocking, frequently squatting, and looking red in the face.

Anybody who suffers from constipation is likely seeking a very good remedy. Parents, of course, hate to see defenseless little ones suffer and desire an infant constipation remedy.

High fiber foods are often helpful, but many of these contain sugar, and should not be over used. Prunes are frequently fed to babies and seniors as a constipation remedy. If they are used excessively, the results can be very messy stools. Over the counter laxatives are controversial, especially the stimulant laxatives, since they may damage muscles and nerves in the colon.

If the problem occurs frequently, you may need to consult a doctor, in case it is caused by a serious health issue. Research is very useful to control and prevent most cases of constipation. With enough information, you could likely do much good at home, without putting yourself or your baby through the stress of doctor visits. In addition, learning about the different remedies, can help you prevent the problems.

Information can also help you know when you should take your child or yourself to doctor, and make sure the doctor does not just try to play down what you know may be an indication of a serious problem. This kind of knowledge could save a life.