Constipation in children means stools are too hard, painful, infrequent or difficult to pass. It can also lead to stool withholding, abdominal pain, poor appetite or soiling. Many cases improve with a structured plan, but persistent or complicated constipation should be assessed rather than treated only with repeated short-term remedies.
Common contributors include painful bowel movements, withholding, low fibre or fluid intake, changes in routine and toilet-training difficulties. Less commonly, constipation may be linked to another medical condition. The child's age, growth, medicine history and examination help determine whether further evaluation is needed.
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Book a consultationNormal frequency varies. Pain, hardness, withholding and difficulty are often more important than the number alone.
Yes. Constipation is a common cause of recurring abdominal pain in children.
A small amount can occur with a fissure, but recurring or unexplained blood should be assessed.
Use medicines only according to a clinician's age-appropriate plan, especially for repeated or long-term symptoms.
Some children need several weeks or months of consistent treatment and toilet routines to break the pain-withholding cycle.
Speak with Paediatric Gastroenterology or contact our team to organise the right starting point.