Font Size
A
A
A


Constipation in Children

Constipation in Children Overview

Constipation occurs commonly in children, affecting up to 10% at any given time. Still, only 3% of parents actually seek advice from the doctor for this condition. Constipation describes the infrequent passage of stools (bowel movements) or the passage of hard stools. Any definition of constipation depends upon comparison to how often the child normally passes stools and to the normal consistency of his or her stools.

Many children normally pass stools as far apart as every few days. Regardless, you should treat hard stools that are difficult to pass and those that happen only every three days as constipation.



Next: Constipation in Children Causes »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Parenting and Pregnancy

Get tips for baby and you.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Constipation »

Concern about bowel function has been prevalent throughout history across many cultures.

Read More on eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary