Choice of constipation medication (difficult to find) that is safe for children

One of the problems often experienced by babies and children is digestive problems such as constipation (difficulty defecating). Not infrequently, this actually makes parents worry. So, what can parents do to overcome and prevent digestive disorders in these children? Is it okay to give laxatives to children to treat constipation?

Can the child be given laxatives to treat constipation?

One of the easiest and most common ways to deal with difficult defecation is to use laxatives, including for children. Although generally used by adults, in fact small children can also take laxatives.

Constipation drugs for children are usually divided into two based on how they work. First, the medicine will soften the stool to make it easier to pass. Second, the drug stimulates bowel movements to allow stool to pass more easily.

However, before giving your little one laxatives, make sure you have consulted your pediatrician. This makes the parents get the right medication and does not carry a high risk of side effects to the little one.

Laxatives to treat constipation in children

There are several types of laxatives that are safe and are usually given to children. More specifically, the drugs that doctors usually prescribe to treat constipation in children include:

Decusate (coloxyl)

First, laxatives that work to soften the texture of the stool, such as docusate (Coloxyl), lactulose (Laevolac), and mineral oil.

Docusate drugs are capsules or tablets or drugs. This medicine is given if the constipation experienced by the child is not too severe. Meanwhile, lactulose is usually a liquid. Parents can give it by mixing it in juices or children's drinks.

In very rare cases, this drug can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

Sennoside B (senokot)

This is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements in children or is called a stimulant.

Drugs belonging to the class of stimulant drugs are made from the senna plant. Children under the age of 6 years are not allowed to take this sennoside B medicine, unless the doctor gives the green light.

Side effects that may occur in children include diarrhea and stomach cramps or cramps. Your little one's urine will also be red. However, you don't need to worry because the color will return to normal after using the drug is stopped.

Lactulose (laevolac)

Just like docusate, lactulose belongs to the class of stool softeners. According to the National Health Service, this drug should not be given to children under 14 years of age, unless a doctor has prescribed it.

This constipation medicine for children is available in the form of a sweet syrup. The side effect of this drug is continuing to waste water, aka diarrhea.

Each child responds differently after treatment. This can be affected by the severity of the condition and its causes.

Therefore, doctor's help is sometimes needed to treat constipation that is felt by children. During treatment, follow the doctor's rules and instructions, especially in using constipation drugs for children.

Another way to deal with constipation in children apart from laxatives

As a parent, you will probably do your best not to give drugs to children. Giving laxatives for difficult bowel problems in children can be the last option taken as a solution.

The good news is that constipation is often caused by unhealthy diets and lifestyles. This means that parents can certainly prevent this from happening by adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle for their children.

In addition to providing laxatives, one way to deal with difficult defecation in children is to ensure that children get enough fluids, namely 6-8 glasses of mineral water per day. This amount also includes formula milk or breast milk.

You can also provide milk that is specially formulated to support your little one's digestive health, such as high-fiber children's milk. High-fiber children's milk can help meet your baby's daily fiber needs, as well as prevent and overcome constipation.

Some other things you can also do to make your child's bowel movements run smoothly, including:

1. Monitor food intake

The best way to deal with constipation in children without using drugs is to adjust the diet according to the child's nutrition. Parents also need to choose the right foods to help relieve symptoms of constipation.

You can add apples and pears to your daily diet. Both of these fruits contain sorbitol, which is sugar that works like a constipation medicine for children.

In addition, this fruit also contains pectin fiber and the enzyme actinidain, which can soften children's feces and stimulate faster bowel movements.

Besides being eaten directly, children can also enjoy the fruit in the form of juice. In order for the total fiber to be much more, the skin of the fruit does not need to be peeled. However, make sure that the fruit is thoroughly washed.

Make it a habit for children to eat vegetables and fruits, especially for children who are able to eat solid foods as a substitute for constipation medication.

You can also add vegetables such as broccoli and peas to increase fiber intake.

Balance ways to deal with constipation in children by drinking more water so that dietary fiber can be maximized in softening the stool.

2. Avoid foods that trigger constipation

The next way to deal with constipation without medication is to avoid certain types of children's foods.

This method is very effective for relieving and preventing constipation in children who have allergies, intolerances, Crohn's disease, or Celiac disease.

Here are some lists of foods that are generally avoided, including:

Dairy-based or lactose-based foods, such as packaged milk, cookies, chocolate, cheese, or ice cream.
Foods that contain gluten, such as bread or pasta
Foods that contain wheat, barley (barley), or rye (rye)

It is possible that your little one also shows symptoms of constipation in other foods that are not mentioned above. So, consult your doctor further.

3. Potty training exercises

If you suspect the cause of your child's constipation is the habit of holding back bowel movements, do the exercises potty training. The habit of holding back bowel movements causes feces to be stuck in the large intestine. As a result, the feces become drier, denser, and difficult to pass.

How to deal with constipation in children, parents can do with the following steps:

Teach children to convey the desire to urinate in easy language.
Teach your little one to open his own pants.
Prepare equipment, such as a special toilet seat for potty training, tissue, and others.
Make a schedule for your little one to urinate, for example in the morning after waking up or after eating.

Some children may hold back the urge to have a bowel movement because they are playing. That is why, make it a habit for children to go to the toilet after breakfast.

You may need to dotoilet trainingso that the child gets used to going to the toilet when he feels like defecating and not holding it.