Diarrhea & Constipation Remedies » Children and babies

Constipation in pregnancy

Jane — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:23:26 +0000

Constipation in pregnancy is particularly common and is experienced by almost all women. The main cause of constipation is increased progesterone levels, which starts to occur in early pregnancy. Progesterone can make some of your muscles more relaxed, including the muscles surrounding your colon – which unfortunately means that your body is less able to push food through your digestive system.

When you are pregnant, constipation treatments are a little restricted as it is desirable to avoid medication where possible, unless directed by a doctor. Accordingly, stimulant laxatives should be avoided and natural treatments used.

To help treat constipation while pregnant you can try to introduce more fiber into the diet. Fresh fruit, vegetables and grains may help but many pregnant women find that they need a richer source of fiber.
Natural psyllium husk powder is one of the best ways to obtain this fiber. Psyllium husks are the main ingredient in some over the counter laxative, but minus all the extra ingredients like fillers, flavors, colors and preservatives. They are a natural plant product and are generally considered safe for use in pregnancy. Of course, it is worthwhile to consult your health care professional about any supplements you include in your diet.

Psyllium husks in their pure, granulated form are readily available from health food shops and some drug stores, as well as a range of online stores. The recommended dosage is one teaspoon three times a day. It can be added to cereal or smoothies, stirred into a glass of water or juice and taken like a shot or even baked into a low fat muffin. You can also find psyllium in a capsule form which is a little easier to swallow. The husks work by bulking in the bowel and softening the stools. As it helps push blockages through the bowel the husks literally scrub the lining of waste and stubborn fecal matter.

In order for the psyllium husks to work it is essential that daily water intake is increased to at least two liters – although you should already be drinking this if you are pregnant, constipated or not. It is important to sip this throughout the day rather than drink in large quantities at a time as it will rehydrate rather better than flush straight through. That might be good for the kidneys, but not as beneficial for the bowels.

Pregnancy can be a worrying time, especially for first time mums in the first trimester as there are a myriad of symptoms that can range from light bleeding to cramping and vomiting. Sometimes the cramping and discomfort can be attributed to constipation, although if you have any concerns or the pain is sharp and in conjunction with bleeding then seek medical advice immediately.

Newborn Constipation

Jane — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:15:36 +0000

Constipation in newborns is unusual in breastfed infants, as breast milk is considered to be a “perfect” food. In actual fact, it is not uncommon for babies to not empty their bowels for up to three days and this is not constipation but because the breast milk is being completely absorbed. However, if newborn constipation continues and the baby seems to be in any discomfort it is always best to consult a health care professional in the first instance.

Constipation in older babies (6 months plus and on solid foods) is more often than not caused by, and in turn can be remedied by, diet. Foods such as dairy, rice, apples, bread and bananas can be the cause of constipation in babies. Dehydration can also be a contributing factor in constipation. In warmer weather especially, it is advisable to ensure adequate water is consumed. Fruit juice, including apple juice is okay for children to drink, although diluted is advisable and be mindful that fruit juice is high in sugars.

High fibre foods such as apricots, prunes, peas and mashed beans are beneficial when it comes to alleviating constipation and incorporating these types of foods into the diet on a regular basis are a great constipation preventative. If incorporating a higher fiber diet ceases to help alleviate constipation it is recommended that you seek assistance from your doctor or a health care professional. They may recommend a glycerin suppository or a laxative such as Maltsupex. Maltsupex can be substituted with ½ teaspoon on processed bran mixed in with stewed fruit such as apricots- never apples. Apples are not good for baby’s digestive system as the pectin they contain can bind food particles in the digestive tract, this does not apply to apple juice though.

Massaging baby’s tummy in a gentle clockwise direction can also help get things moving, as well as help with discomfort they may be feeling. You can also lie the baby on their back and gently cycle their legs while holding their feet. If doing this seems to cause them pain or more discomfort then stop the action immediately and seek medical advice

Remedies For Toddler Diarrhea

Jane — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:56:08 +0000

If you have children you likely know how frustrating and inconvenient it is to deal with a toddlers diarrhea. Not only can this cause a great mess to clean up even if your child is still wearing a diaper, but can often come at an inopportune time, such as in the beginning stages of potty training. If you are trying to toilet train your child and they have diarrhea you’ll likely face the decision of whether or not to continue potty training, or to forgo it because it will be near impossible for them to hold it long enough to get to the bathroom in time. We’ll go over what causes it, and what remedies for toddler diarrhea you can try.

Toddler Diarrhea

The first thing we need to explore is what causes diarrhea in toddlers. Most parents immediately jump to the conclusion that it is something in their diet, but in fact diarrhea has many causes, the most common of which in children that age is a stomach virus. Another cause that you may want to consider stress level. If you are in the beginning stages of potty training, it is possible that the stress from trying to keep from going potty before they get to the toilet could cause diarrhea. If your toddler is past the diaper stage, then the most common cause is some type of stomach virus.

A stomach virus will often go away on its own in most cases. However, make sure that you visit your pediatrician if the condition persists or if it is in conjuction with stomach pains and/or vomiting.

The most common infection that causes diarrhea in children is rotavirus, responsible for approximately ten percent of toddler diarrhea cases in the U.S.. It is important to get your child checked out if showing symptoms of this virus, because it can be serious – resulting in approximately 65,000 hospitalizations each year. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea for up to a week. Children are most susceptible to this virus, and almost all children will suffer from it at some point. Natural resistance is built up as your child gets older.

Other causes of diarrhea in toddlers include food intolerance, in which your child is allergic to a particular food, such as children who are lactose intolerant and cannot use milk or other dairy products. One cause of diarrhea in children and adults alike that is often overlooked, is a gluten intolerance – or celiac disease. Celiacs are allergic to gluten, which is a protein found in most common grain based products – for example bread and pasta. If your toddlers diarrhea is ongoing and accompanied by bloating and stomach pain, try withholding any food containing gluten from the diet. Make sure to read the labels on all food products, as wheat based products can be found where you wouldn’t expect them. If the symptoms cease after 1-2 weeks, and then reappear when gluten is reintroduced to the diet, talk to your doctor about the possibility that your child might be gluten-intolerant and they can do further tests which will confirm the condition.

Other possible causes, although less frequently, include parasites or other medical conditions. It is important to note that the infections from Rotavirus and parasites are only found in a small number of severe diarrhea cases so if it is an smaller case, then it is unlikely that your baby is infected with the virus. Of course, never substitute your the information contained here for the opinion of your medical provider.

There are a few remedies for toddler diarrhea that you can use to help your child get over the diarrhea but unfortunately, there isn’t a magic pill that will stop the diarrhea completely. The first and most important thing is to keep your child hydrated, to assist in the removal of whatever is causing the diarrhea by the body’s own natural method. You can use regular beverages or specialty drinks like Pedialyte, which prevents dehydration. You can also try only giving your child dry biscuits to eat for a few hours, to allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle.

Toddler & Infant Diarrhea

Jane — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:55:01 +0000

Many parents panic when their baby or toddler comes down with their first case of diarrhea. However, nearly all cases of diarrhea are not serious as long as you treat your child correctly and take the necessary precautions afterward. Before we get into treating your baby or toddler’s diarrhea, there are a few instances of diarrhea symptoms which signal that you should bring your child to a doctor immediately.

If your infants diarrhea has traces of blood, lasts for more than three days, if your child seems to be violently ill along with the diarrhea, or is less than five months old, you should not attempt home treatment and should instead bring your baby or toddler to the doctor. These symptoms often signal a more serious condition.

Diarrhea is caused in most instances by a virus. The viruses that cause diarrhea in young children are often not very dangerous, so the primary risk that your child faces when stricken with diarrhea is dehydration. What this means for you is that you must be extremely vigilant in treating your baby or toddler.

If your child has diarrhea, the first thing you need to do is ensure that he or she gets a lot of liquids. Your child may resist the unusual influx of liquids, so it’s up to you to make sure they are drinking enough water and juice. As the parent, it is your responsibility more than your child’s to entice them to drink. It may be necessary to dilute their favourite juice or even adding brown sugar to their water to make it more attractive. In some instances Pedialyte Oral Electrolyte Solution may assist as it replaces lost electrolyes and glucose. Most doctors recommend that you watch your young child for most of the day if he comes down with diarrhea.

Some more recommendations:

If you are still nursing your baby or toddler, you should continue to do so. On top of nursing your child, you should also have them drink plenty of water and juice.

Watch out for signs of dehydration. Even if you are vigilant in ensuring your child gets enough liquids, they can still become dehydrated. You can tell if your child is becoming dehydrated if he or she has a dry mouth, urinates infrequently, appears tired or lethargic, cries with very few tears, or has dry skin that feels inelastic. If your child begins showing these symptoms along with her diarrhea, you should bring her in to a doctor immediately. Dehydration is the single most dangerous outcome of diarrhea, and is extremely serious. Once the diarrhea begins dehydrating your child, it can be difficult to reverse the process or prevent permanent damage unless professional medical help is sought.

Do not change your baby or toddler’s standard diet. While your child may attempt to refuse food, it is important that he continues consuming his normal diet due to nutrient loss resulting from the diarrhea. You may even wish to increase your child’s food intake. Try to add yogurt, jello, and rehydrating solutions (these are often sold in your local supermarket) to your child’s diet. These things may relieve the symptoms or even relieve the diarrhea entirely.

Maintain strict hygeine practices. This means dipsosing of used diapers appropriately and washing hands thoroughly after each nappy change. Disinfect the change mat after each use with a disinfectant wipe and change the baby’s clothes if they become soiled. This will not only protect yourself from contracting the diarrhea but also other children you may have.

Toddler & Baby Constipation

Jane — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:11:47 +0000

Constipation in children is fairly common, affecting up to 1 in 3 children. The definition of constipation in infants or toddlers can vary. However for toddlers a safe indicator of constipation is if your child passes a stool less than 3 times a week or if they find it painful to defecate. Another indicator can be when a hard mass can be felt in the abdomen. If your child experiences problems with regular faecal incontinence after they have been toilet trained, or if they pass very large stools, they may also be constipated.

Normal bowel function in infants

Usually, meconium is passed in the 24-48 hours following the birth of a child. This is a dark green mucus and bile that has built up in the infant’s bowel. However once this has occurred normal bowel function can be different depending on whether the infant is fed breast milk or a formula. Newborns that are fed breast milk may defecate up to 5 times a day, with the majority defecating at least 3 times per day within the first few weeks. However only 1 in 3 newborns that are fed with a formula defecate at this rate in the first few weeks. Babies who are fed with a formula are more likely to be constipated but infants fed on breast milk can also go without passing a stool for up to three days, which is normal. As the child gets older, the frequency of defecation reduces. Once the child is around 4 months old, they are likely to go only twice a day whether they are fed breast milk or formula.

Newborns with constipation should be examined by a medical professional. Once solid foods are introduced at around 6 months, the stool will become firmer. Constipation may become more of a problem at this point but it may be avoided by including plenty of fibre in the childs diet. Foods high in fibre include cereals and fruit and vegetables. Keeping the babies fluid intake up is also important. If your baby does become constipated, a home treatment is to lay it on its back and gently move the legs as if it was riding a bike. Other baby constipation remedies include gently massaging the stomach, and a warm bath might assist in relaxing the baby and helping to pass a stool. Finally, you could try applying a little water based lubricant to the anus to make passing stools easier. Do not attempt any other treatment such as enemas or laxatives – a medical professional should be consulted if the problem persists or if the child is also vomiting or seems cranky.

Behavioural modification

For toddlers and young children, many cases of constipation can be behavioral rather than due to a medical problem. If the child had problems with painful passage of stools when younger they may become reluctant to pass stools at all. However a doctor should be consulted to assess the reason for the constipation. Your doctor will be able to help you come up with a management plan for the condition, which might include a laxative or stool softener as well as encouragement or other intervention.