What should I do if my child has constipation, and how can I prevent it?

Patient's question:

Male, 7 years old, the child often suffers from constipation

Doctor's answer:

Analysis of the Condition:
Constipation in children can manifest as dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass, or defecation occurring every 2-3 days or even longer. It is often caused by improper diet, accumulation of dairy and food, internal dryness and heat, or weakness after illness.
The primary approach to addressing children's constipation is through dietary adjustments.
Suggestions for Improvement:
Having a regular bowel habit is a physiological requirement. The normal standard should be aimed for: defecating at a fixed time each day; the defecation time should be within 10 minutes; and each defecation must be complete.
If constipation is severe, with excessive feces remaining in the rectum, and a single application of "laxative suppository" does not induce defecation, then an enema should be used. Purchase an enema kit, fill it with 500 ml of 0.2% soap water, and rinse out the accumulated large amount of feces (or undergo an enema at the hospital). Afterward, follow the aforementioned method to train for defecation. We refer to this training method as the "three-stage defecation training":
First stage: Defecate at a fixed time by oneself.
Second stage: If defecation is not achieved within 5 minutes, use "laxative suppository."
Third stage: After defecation, use "laxative suppository" again (to verify completeness).
If the diet is too refined, it leaves no residue after digestion, and the amount of feces naturally decreases. Therefore, consuming foods rich in fiber that cannot be digested leaves more residue, which helps ensure daily bowel movements.
Encouraging children to eat grapes without spitting out the skin, or to eat oranges and bananas without removing the fibers, can all aid in defecation. Strengthen physical exercise.