12 Surprising Signs a Child is Constipated
- Jan 4, 2023
- 2 min read
By Steve Hodges, M.D.
In my clinic, we x-ray all patients with enuresis (bedwetting or daytime wetting), to rule out the rare cases that are not caused by chronic constipation and to see just how much poop is clogging the child's rectum. An x-ray can be extremely helpful in guiding bedwetting treatment as well as treatment for daytime accidents.
In some cases, I also order x-rays to demonstrate to parents that their child is indeed constipated. Most folks have no idea, as the signs of constipation in children can be subtle and are not well-known, even among some physicians.
For example, everyone knows a child who poops once a week is constipated. But a kid who poops twice a day might also be harboring a lump of poop the size of a softball. Few adults realize that giant poops and hard logs are far more telling than pooping frequency.
What's more, pee and poop accidents are, themselves, signs of constipation. Many parents tell me, “My child wets the bed but has no signs of constipation.” That’s like saying, “My child can run a mile in 5 minutes but shows no signs of athleticism.”
While x-rays are the most accurate way to diagnose constipation in a child, in most cases, x-rays aren't necessary to start treatment. And in many countries, I realize, x-rays for constipation are not even available. For most kids, that's OK. If you know what you're looking for, you can detect constipation in your own child based on their symptoms.
Our free infographic, 12 Signs Your Child is Constipated, will help parents, physicians, and schools detect constipation in kids. It's available in English and Spanish.
I discuss these and other signs in depth in The M.O.P. Anthology: The Proven Way to STOP Bedwetting, Daytime Enuresis, Encopresis, and Chronic Constipation in Toddlers Through Teens.
READ: What Frustrated Parents Should Know about Poop and Pee Accidents, Potty "Regression" and "Refusal"
This is a very informative topic that many parents may overlook. Recognizing the less obvious signs of constipation can help ensure children get the care they need early, improving their comfort, health, and overall well-being. Minecraft Apk
It's incredibly insightful to learn that even a child who poops daily can still be constipated, and that giant poops are more telling than frequency. This really emphasizes the need for careful observation and logical deduction when it comes to subtle health signs, much like the focus and pattern recognition needed to solve a puzzle like MeowdoKu. I'm definitely going to get that infographic!
This article is truly eye-opening, especially the point that pee and poop accidents are *themselves* signs of constipation, which I, like many, had no idea about. It highlights how important it is to look beyond obvious symptoms and understand the underlying mechanics, a bit like strategizing to uncover hidden dynamics in StonkRider. So much crucial information for parents here!
Wow, this is eye-opening! I never realized that pee and poop accidents are themselves signs of constipation – that analogy about athleticism really hit home. It makes me wonder if there could be some visual aids or even conceptual images generated with a Free AI Image to Image Generator to help explain these subtle signs to broader audiences or even older kids. Thanks for highlighting how much is missed!
This article really opened my eyes, especially the part about how even frequent pooping doesn't rule out constipation! I'm definitely going to download that '12 Signs Your Child is Constipated' infographic. If I need to share it with family or my child's school and it ends up in HEIC format, I know I can easily use a free heic to png converter to make it more accessible for everyone. Such crucial information for parents!