Patient's question:
My daughter is 20 days old. For the first 20 days, her bowel movements were normal. Since the 29th, her bowel movements have become particularly dry, forming into small, solid pieces. She cries every time she has a bowel movement, and each time it's only about the size of a finger. What could be the reason for this? Is it serious? Please help me. Thank you!!Doctor's answer:
Hello: There are many reasons that can cause 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, causing weak abdominal and intestinal muscles, insufficient tone, and weak peristalsis, resulting in stubborn constipation.
??② Unsuitable food components: Constipation is closely related to the composition of food. If the diet is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, the relative reduction of fermentative bacteria in the intestines affects fermentation, making the stool alkaline, dry, and causing constipation. For example, a diet high in casein increases the amount of insoluble calcium soaps in the stool, leading to increased stool volume and easier constipation. Additionally, refined rice flour and refined wheat flour contain fewer residues than whole grains, making them more prone to constipation.
??③ Abnormal intestinal function: Irregular living and defecation habits can weaken or fail to form the defecation reflex, leading to intestinal muscle relaxation and constipation. Certain medications or diseases that weaken intestinal wall muscle strength and function, as well as abnormal sympathetic nerve function, can also cause constipation.
??④ Genetic and physiological defects: Some children may suffer from constipation from birth, possibly related to genetics. Certain physiological defects, such as anal fissure, anal stenosis, or congenital megacolon, can also cause constipation.
??⑤ Psychological factors: Sudden psychological stress or changes in living environment can lead to temporary constipation.
Based on your description, the condition is not severe. You can currently choose to use suppositories or enemas to retain medication to improve your child's symptoms.