When should I call my Doctor ?

Call your child’s healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s bowel habits or patterns. Talk with your child’s provider if your child:

• Is constipated for more than 2 weeks
• Can’t do normal activities because of constipation
• Can’t get a stool out with normal pushing
• Has liquid or soft stool leaking out of the anus
• Has small, painful tears in the skin around the anus (anal fissures)
• Has red, swollen veins (hemorrhoids) in the rectum
• Has belly pain, fever, or vomiting

Key points about constipation

• Constipation is when a child has very hard stools, and has fewer bowel movements than they normally do.
• Constipation can be caused by a child’s diet, lack of exercise, or emotional issues.
• Once a child becomes constipated, the problem can quickly get worse.
• Making diet and lifestyle changes can help treat and help prevent constipation.
• Never give your child an enema, laxative, or stool softener unless the healthcare provider recommends this.