Manage Constipation

Causes of Constipation

Constipation is caused by the slow movement of waste products through the digestive tract. This slow movement makes the stool dry and hard. Then it will be very difficult to expel it out from the body. In children, the following factors are mainly responsible for constipation:

• Dietary changes: Lack of enough fiber-rich food like fruits and vegetables or sufficient fluid may cause constipation in children. When a child’s diet is changed from liquid to solid foods, there are more chances to get constipated.
• Allergy to dairy products: Allergy to cow’s milk or having a large number of milk products like cheese, butter, etc. can lead to constipation.
• Suppression of urge to defecate: The child may avoid the urge to defecate because of fear of toileting or being uninterested to stop playing. Some children may be uncomfortable to use public toilets. Also, an incident of painful bowel movement may lead to withholding. 
• Changes in daily routine: Changes in routine like travel, climate change or mental tension, etc. can affect bowel function. Children can also experience constipation during the beginning of their schooling.
• Problems with toilet training:  If toilet training starts too early children may become hesitant and start to withhold the urge to defecate.
• Family history: If family members are having constipated bowels, children will be more prone to have it.
• Other clinical conditions: In rare cases, constipation may be a symptom of malformation in excretory organs, a problem with the metabolic or digestive system, or any other medical condition.
• Use of medications: Certain medicines like antidepressants and others can cause constipation.

Ayurveda suggests the reasons for constipation as suppression of urge for defecation, intake of food in large quantity, lack of digestive fire, etc.