Is constipation common in children?
Yes, constipation is very common and most children will have a few episodes of it. However, in a majority it is occasional and a rapid recovery is the norm. Such episodes may follow a stressful event such as a respiratory infection, a family outing, a new school etc.When the episodes persist or recur frequently, it needs to be evaluated. How does normal defecation occur? The food that we eat is the major source of stool content. The lining of the bowel is frequently shed and this along with some mucus accounts for the remaining content. As food passes down the intestine, enzymes digest (break it down into it’s basic units) it and these nutrients are absorbed. This activity is predominantly in the small intestine. The digested food then enters the large intestine. By this time, the contents are roughage(fibre) and water. This water is gradually absorbed as food is transported down the large intestine. The feacal matter is now held in the last part of the large intestine, the rectum, unt
