Constipation in Children: Symptoms, Self-Care, and When to See a Doctor | Should Your Child See a Doctor If They Cannot Have a Bowel Movement During Travel?
■Symptoms
Constipation in children may involve having bowel movements less often than usual, passing hard stools, or experiencing pain when having a bowel movement. Even if your child has fewer bowel movements than usual, it may not necessarily be constipation if the stool is soft and passing it is not painful.
Constipation may also cause abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, or behaviors such as holding in stool.
■Causes
Possible causes include:
- Urgent medical conditions such as intestinal obstruction
- Congenital conditions affecting the intestines
- Not drinking enough fluids or eating enough fiber
- Habitually holding in stool
- Changes in diet, daily routine, or toilet environment during travel
If your child has severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or significant abdominal swelling, there may be a condition other than simple constipation.
■When to Seek Medical Care
Seek Medical Attention Promptly If Your Child:
- Has persistent or severe abdominal pain
- Is vomiting repeatedly
- Has significant abdominal swelling
- Has blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum
- Is very lethargic or appears generally unwell
- Cannot pass stool or gas and also has abdominal pain or vomiting
You May Monitor Your Child’s Symptoms If:
- Your child is active and can eat and drink normally
- There is no severe abdominal pain or vomiting
- Your child can pass at least a small amount of stool or gas
- Symptoms are mild and are not getting worse
If constipation persists or symptoms worsen, or if you feel that your child is “not acting like usual,” we recommend seeing a doctor as a precaution.
■Self-Care
- Make sure your child drinks enough fluids, even while staying at the hotel.
- Offer age-appropriate foods containing fiber, such as fruits and vegetables.
- Encourage your child not to hold in stool and allow enough time to use the toilet comfortably.
- Encourage gentle physical activity as tolerated.
- Monitor how often your child has bowel movements and the appearance of the stool.
The appropriate use of laxatives or enemas in children depends on their age and symptoms. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist rather than using these treatments without medical advice.
■What We Can Do at Our Clinic
We provide:
- English-speaking medical care
- Medical consultation and abdominal assessment by a physician
- Assessment for dehydration
- Blood tests when indicated
- Abdominal ultrasound examination
- Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy if your child is dehydrated
- Prescription medications based on your child’s age and symptoms
- Referral to a pediatric specialist or pediatric medical facility when necessary
■Appointment
At International Clinic Osaka Shinsaibashi (ICOS) in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, we provide medical consultations for children experiencing constipation while traveling in Japan. We offer same-day appointments and English-speaking medical services, so international travelers can receive medical care with confidence.
If your child has not had a bowel movement during your trip or has abdominal pain and you are concerned about constipation, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.
Address:
4F Zenith Building, 1-13-25 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Phone:
+81-6-6484-6392
Email:
c.icos@international-clinic-osaka.com