Patient's question:
My little baby is four years old this year. He doesn't eat much and can only go to the bathroom twice a week at most. His stomach is bloated, and he also dislikes crying at night. I feel so heartbroken looking at him, and I'm afraid this will hurt his stomach. I hope to get help: What are the dangers of constipation in children?Doctor's answer:
Childhood constipation is caused by changes in bowel habits, referring to a significant increase in bowel movement frequency, dry and hard stools, incomplete evacuation, prolonged intervals between bowel movements (＞2 days), irregularity, or the inability to pass stools despite the urge. Childhood constipation can be divided into two major categories: functional constipation and organic constipation. The hazards of this condition include:1. Fecal impaction damaging the intestinal mucosa, leading to anal pain during defecation, which may manifest as a small amount of blood or mucus on the surface of the stool.
2. Causing anal fissures and hemorrhoids in children.
3. Disrupting the balance of gut microbiota, resulting in a decline in intestinal immunity.