Patient's question:
Average bowel movement 2-3 times a day, with crying at nightDoctor's answer:
Hello, it is recommended to conduct trace element testing to see if it is related to element deficiency. There are many causes of constipation in children, mainly including the following points:??① Insufficient diet: When children eat too little, there is less residue in the intestines after digestion, leading to reduced bowel movements; insufficient sugar in milk makes the stool dry; prolonged dietary insufficiency can lead to malnutrition, making the abdominal and intestinal muscles weak, with insufficient tension and weak peristalsis, resulting in stubborn constipation.
??② Unsuitable food components: Constipation is closely related to the composition of food. An excess of protein in the diet while lacking carbohydrates reduces the relative number of intestinal fermentation bacteria, affecting fermentation and making the stool alkaline, dry, and causing constipation. If the food contains a large amount of casein, the feces contain a large amount of insoluble calcium soaps, leading to increased fecal volume and easier constipation. Additionally, refined rice flour and refined wheat flour contain less residue than whole grains, making them more prone to constipation.
??③ Intestinal dysfunction: Irregular living and defecation habits can weaken or fail to form the defecation reflex, leading to intestinal muscle relaxation and constipation. Certain drugs or diseases that weaken the intestinal wall muscle and affect its function, as well as abnormal sympathetic nerve function, can all cause constipation.
??④ Genetic and physiological defects: Some children suffer from constipation even after birth, possibly related to genetics. Certain physiological defect diseases, such as anal fissure, anal stenosis, and congenital megacolon, can also cause constipation.
??⑤ Psychological factors: Sudden psychological stress or changes in living environment can lead to temporary constipation.
Prevention and treatment measures for children's constipation are as follows:
??① Change dietary content: Breastfed infants