Constipation facts for kids
Constipation happens when it's really hard to go to the bathroom and get rid of your body's waste (poop). This means your body has trouble passing digested food.
Constipation can be caused by different things. Sometimes, eating or drinking too many dairy products, like milk or cheese, can make it harder to go. To help with this, some people might use a special medicine called a laxative, or eat foods like plums, which can help you go to the bathroom.
Another reason for constipation could be a blockage in your digestive system. This is the path food takes inside your body. If you only go to the bathroom three times a week or less, you might be constipated. When someone is constipated, their poop is often very hard and tough. Usually, people go to the bathroom every day.
When you're constipated, your lower stomach and intestines can feel blocked. You can often feel better by eating natural laxatives. These include fruits, fruit juice, and special food supplements. Drinking plenty of liquids also helps a lot. Eating hard foods like cheese or meat can sometimes lead to constipation. Eating foods with lots of fiber is a great way to prevent constipation.
Understanding Your Poop
The Bristol Stool Chart helps you understand what your poop means about your health. It shows seven different types of poop:
- Type 1: Looks like separate hard lumps, similar to nuts. These are very hard to pass.
- Type 2: Shaped like a sausage but lumpy. Passing this can be quite painful.
- Type 3: Looks like a sausage but has cracks on its surface.
- Type 4: Like a sausage or a snake, smooth and soft.
Types 1 and 2 usually mean you are constipated. Types 3 and 4 are considered the "ideal" types of poop because they are easy to pass and show your digestive system is working well. Types 5 to 7 usually mean you might have diarrhea.
Images for kids
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A picture from an X-ray showing a lot of constipation in an 8-year-old.
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See also
In Spanish: Estreñimiento para niños
