Children Buttocks

What is constipation?

IBS is a common cause of chronic diarrhea in grade school-age children and adolescents. Doctors rarely diagnose IBS in younger children because younger children are not able to report symptoms of IBS such as abdominal pain or discomfort. Food allergies and intolerances. Is it appropriate for children to be spanked on there bottom with no pants. And my answer is no. Hope this helps allison. 'Their doctor' must needs be sent for to assure them that their dear children's posteriors have not been permanently damaged. In a few more generations their descendants will have learnt that punishment is applied on the bare buttocks because there it is perfectly safe, as well as being painful and humiliating to the culprit.

Constipation is when a child has very hard stools, and has fewer bowel movements than he or she normally does. It is a very common GI (gastrointestinal) problem.

Signs that a child has constipation include:

• Having fewer bowel movements than normal. Constipation is often defined as having fewer than 3 bowel movements a week. The number of bowel movements may be different for each child. But a change in what is normal for your child may mean there is a problem.
• Passing stool that is hard and sometimes large
• Having bowel movements that are difficult or painful to push out

Boils Children's Buttocks

What causes constipation?

Stool gets hard and dry when the large intestine (colon) takes in (absorbs) too much water.

Normally, as food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs water while it makes stool. Muscle movements (contractions) push the stool toward the rectum. When the stool gets to the rectum, most of the water has been soaked up. The stool is now solid.

If your child has constipation, the colon's muscle movements are too slow. This makes the stool move through the colon too slowly. The colon absorbs too much water. The stool gets very hard and dry.

Once a child becomes constipated, the problem can quickly get worse. Hard, dry stools can be painful to push out. So the child may stop using the bathroom because it hurts. Over time, the colon will not be able to sense that stool is there.

There are many reasons why a child may become constipated. Some common diet and lifestyle causes include:

Diet

• Eating too many foods that are high in fat and low in fiber. These include fast foods, junk foods, and soft drinks.
• Not drinking enough water and other fluids
• Having a change in diet. This includes when babies change from breastmilk to formula, or when they start eating solid foods.

Lack of exercise

• Children who watch a lot of TV and play video games don’t get enough exercise. Exercise helps move digested food through the intestines.

Emotional issues

• Not wanting to use public bathrooms. Children may then hold in their bowel movements, causing constipation.
• Going through toilet training. This can be a difficult time for many toddlers.
• Having power struggles with parents. Toddlers may hold in their bowel movements on purpose.
• Feeling stressed because of school, friends, or family

Busy children

• Some children don’t pay attention to signals that their body gives them to have a bowel movement. This can happen when children are too busy playing. They forget to go to the bathroom.
• Constipation can also be a problem when starting a new school year. Children can’t go to the bathroom whenever they feel the need. They have to change their bowel routine.

Underlying physical problem

In rare cases, constipation can be caused by a larger physical problem. These physical issues can include:

• Problems of the intestinal tract, rectum, or anus
• Nervous system problems, such as cerebral palsy
• Endocrine problems, such as hypothyroidism
• Certain medicines, such as iron supplements, some antidepressants, and narcotics such as codeine

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They may include:

• Not having a bowel movement for a few days
• Passing hard, dry stools
• Having belly (abdominal) bloating, cramps, or pain
• Not feeling hungry
• Showing signs of trying to hold stool in, such as clenching teeth, crossing legs, squeezing buttocks together, turning red in the face
• Small liquid or soft stool marks on a child's underwear

The symptoms of constipation can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is constipation diagnosed?

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. Depending on how old your child is, you might be asked questions such as:

• How old was your baby when he or she had their first stool?
• How often does your child have a bowel movement?
• Does your child complain of pain when having a bowel movement?
• Have you been trying to toilet train your toddler lately?
• What foods does your child eat?
• Have there been any stressful events in your child's life lately?
• How often does your child poop in his or her pants?

Your child’s provider may also want to do some tests to see if there are any problems. These tests may include:

• Digital rectal examination (DRE). Your child’s provider puts a gloved, greased (lubricated) finger into your child’s rectum. The provider will feel for anything abnormal.
• Abdominal X-ray. This test checks how much stool is in the large intestine.
• Barium enema. This is an X-ray exam of the rectum, the large intestine, and the lower part of the small intestine. Your child will be given a metallic fluid called barium. Barium coats the organs so they can be seen on an X-ray. The barium is put into a tube and inserted into your child’s rectum as an enema. An X-ray of the belly will show if your child has any narrowed areas (strictures), blockages (obstructions), or other problems.
• Anorectal manometry. This test checks the strength of the muscles in the anus and the nerve reflexes. It also checks your child’s ability to sense that the rectum is full (rectal distension) and a bowel movement is needed. And it looks at how well the muscles work together during a bowel movement.
• Rectal biopsy. This test takes a sample of the cells in the rectum. They are checked under a microscope for any problems.
• Sigmoidoscopy. This test checks the inside of part of the large intestine. It helps to find out what is causing diarrhea, belly pain, constipation, abnormal growths, and bleeding. A short, flexible, lighted tube (sigmoidoscope) is put into your child’s intestine through the rectum. This tube blows air into the intestine to make it swell. This makes it easier to see inside.
• Colorectal transit study. This test shows how well food moves through your child’s colon. The child swallows pills (capsules) filled with small markers that can be seen on an X-ray. The child eats a high-fiber diet for the next few days. X-rays will be taken 3 to 7 days after your child takes the pills. The X-rays will show how the pills moved through the colon.
• Colonoscopy. This test looks at the full length of the large intestine. It can help check for abnormal growths, red or swollen tissue, sores (ulcers), and bleeding. The test uses a long, flexible, lighted tube (colonoscope). The tube is put into your child’s rectum up into the colon. This tube lets the provider see the lining of the colon and take out a tissue sample (biopsy) to test it. The provider may also be able to treat some problems that are found.
• Lab testing. Several tests may be done. These include tests to check for issues such as celiac disease, urinary tract infection, thyroid problems, metabolic problems, and blood lead level.

How is constipation treated?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Treatment may include diet and lifestyle changes, such as:

Diet changes

Often making changes in your child's diet will help constipation. Help your child to eat more fiber by:

• Adding more fruits and vegetables
• Adding more whole-grain cereals and breads. Check the nutrition labels on food packages for foods that have more fiber.

Foods	Moderate fiber	High fiber
Bread	Whole-wheat bread, granola bread, wheat bran muffins, whole-grain waffles, popcorn
Cereal	Bran cereals, shredded wheat, oatmeal, granola, oat bran	100% bran cereal
Vegetables	Beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, corn, green beans, green peas, acorn and butternut squash, spinach, potato with skin, avocado
Fruits	Apples with peel, dates, papayas, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, pears, kiwis, strawberries, applesauce, raspberries, blackberries, raisins	Cooked prunes, dried figs
Meat substitutes	Peanut butter, nuts	Baked beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans, lima beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, chili with beans, trail mix

Other diet changes that may help include:

• Having your child drink more fluids, especially water
• Limiting fast foods and junk foods that are often high in fats. Offer more well-balanced meals and snacks instead.
• Limiting drinks with caffeine, such as soda and tea
• Limiting whole milk as directed by your child’s healthcare provider

It’s also a good idea to have your child eat meals on a regular schedule. Eating a meal will often cause a bowel movement within 30 to 60 minutes. Serve breakfast early. This will give your child time to have a bowel movement at home before rushing off to school.

Get more exercise

Having your child get more exercise can also help with constipation. Exercise helps with digestion. It helps the normal movements the intestines make to push food forward as it is digested. People who don’t move around much are often constipated. Have your child go outside and play rather than watch TV or do other indoor activities.

Good bowel habits

Try to get your child into a regular toilet habit. Have your child sit on the toilet at least twice a day for at least 10 minutes. Try to do this just after a meal. Be sure to make this a pleasant time. Don’t get mad at your child for not having a bowel movement. Use a reward system to make it fun. Give stickers or other small treats. Or make posters that show your child's progress.

In some cases these changes may not help. Or your child’s healthcare provider may detect another problem. If so, the provider may recommend using laxatives, stool softeners, or an enema. These products should only be used if recommended by your child's provider. Do not use them without talking with your child's provider first.

What are the complications of constipation?

Hard stools can irritate or tear the lining of the anus (anal fissures). This makes it painful to have a bowel movement. Your child may avoid having a bowel movement because it hurts. This can make constipation get worse.

Can constipation be prevented?

Constipation can be prevented by figuring out the times when it may occur, and making proper changes.

For instance, when babies start to eat solid food, constipation can result. This is because they don’t have enough fiber in their new diet. You can add fiber to your baby’s diet by giving pureed vegetables and fruits. Or try whole-wheat or multigrain cereals.

Constipation can also happen during toilet training. Children who do not like using a regular toilet may hold in their stool. This causes constipation.

All children should get the right amount of fiber and fluids. Other preventative measures include making sure your child has:

• Regular access to a bathroom
• Enough time to use the toilet
• Regular physical exercise

The same changes that can help treat constipation may also help to stop it from happening.

Living with constipation

Constipation can be either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Children with intestinal diseases may have chronic constipation problems. But in most cases, constipation is a short-term condition.If your child has chronic constipation, work with his or her healthcare provider. Together you can create a care plan that is right for your child.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call your child's healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your child's bowel habits or patterns. Talk with your child's provider if your child:

• Is constipated for more than 2 weeks
• Can’t do normal activities because of constipation
• Can’t get a stool out with normal pushing
• Has liquid or soft stool leaking out of the anus
• Has small, painful tears in the skin around the anus (anal fissures)
• Has red, swollen veins (hemorrhoids) in the rectum
• Has belly pain, fever, or vomiting

Key points about constipation

• Constipation is when a child has very hard stools, and has fewer bowel movements than they normally do.
• Constipation can be caused by a child’s diet, lack of exercise, or emotional issues.
• Once a child becomes constipated, the problem can quickly get worse.
• Making diet and lifestyle changes can help treat and help prevent constipation.
• Never give your child an enema, laxative, or stool softener unless the healthcare provider recommends this.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s health care provider:

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

What are the symptoms of chronic diarrhea in children?

The main symptom of chronic diarrhea in children is passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day for at least 4 weeks.

Depending on the cause, children with chronic diarrhea may also have one or more of the following symptoms:

• bloody stools
• chills
• fever
• loss of control of bowel movements
• nausea or vomiting
• pain or cramping in the abdomen

Chronic diarrhea may cause malabsorption and may lead to dehydration.

What are the symptoms of malabsorption and dehydration in children?

Malabsorption

Symptoms of malabsorption may include

• changes in appetite
• loose, greasy, foul-smelling bowel movements
• weight loss or poor weight gain

Dehydration

Symptoms of dehydration may include

• thirst
• urinating less than usual, or no wet diapers for 3 hours or more
• lack of energy
• dry mouth
• no tears when crying
• decreased skin turgor, meaning that when your child’s skin is pinched and released, the skin does not flatten back to normal right away
• sunken eyes, cheeks, or soft spot in the skull

Pimples Children's Buttocks

Seek care right away

Diarrhea can become dangerous if it leads to severe dehydration. Diarrhea may also signal a more serious problem.

The parent or caretaker of a child with diarrhea and any of the following symptoms should seek a doctor’s care right away:

• diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• fever of 102 degrees or higher
• severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
• stools containing blood or pus
• stools that are black and tarry
• symptoms of dehydration

Children Buttocks

What causes chronic diarrhea in children?

Common diseases and disorders that cause chronic diarrhea in children include

• infections of the digestive tract
• celiac disease
• food allergies and intolerances

Infections of the digestive tract

Infections from harmful viruses, bacteria, or parasites sometimes lead to chronic diarrhea. Children may become infected through contaminated water, beverages, or food; or through person-to-person contact. After an infection, some children have problems digesting carbohydrates such as lactose or proteins in foods such as milk, milk products, or soy. These problems can cause prolonged diarrhea—often for up to 6 weeks—after an infection. Also, some bacterial and parasitic infections that cause diarrhea do not go away quickly without treatment.

Read more about infections that cause diarrhea, such as foodborne illnesses and viral gastroenteritis.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that damages the small intestine. The disease is triggered by eating foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein found naturally in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten is common in foods such as bread, pasta, cookies, and cakes. Celiac disease can cause chronic diarrhea in children of any age.

Functional GI disorders

In functional GI disorders, symptoms are caused by changes in how the digestive tract works. Children with a functional GI disorder have frequent symptoms, yet the digestive tract does not become damaged. Functional GI disorders are not diseases; they are groups of symptoms that occur together.

Two functional GI disorders that cause chronic diarrhea in children are toddler’s diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Toddler’s diarrhea
Toddler’s diarrhea—also called functional diarrhea, or chronic nonspecific diarrhea of childhood—is a common cause of chronic diarrhea in toddlers (ages 1 to 3), and preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5). Children with toddler’s diarrhea pass four or more watery or loose stools a day and do not have any other symptoms. They typically are growing well, gaining weight, and are healthy.

Toddler’s diarrhea develops between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, and it usually goes away on its own by the time children begin grade school. Researchers think that drinking too many sugar-sweetened beverages, especially those high in high-fructose corn syrup and sorbitol, may cause toddler’s diarrhea.

IBS
The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain, discomfort, or cramping; along with diarrhea, constipation, or both. The pain or discomfort of IBS typically gets better with the passage of stool or gas. IBS does not cause symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, or blood in the stool.

IBS is a common cause of chronic diarrhea in grade school-age children and adolescents. Doctors rarely diagnose IBS in younger children because younger children are not able to report symptoms of IBS such as abdominal pain or discomfort.

Food allergies and intolerances

Food allergies, lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, and sucrose intolerance are common causes of chronic diarrhea.

Food allergies
Milk, milk products, and soy allergies are the most common food allergies that affect the digestive tract in children. Food allergies usually appear in the first year of life. Many children outgrow allergies to milk, milk-products, and soy by age 3. Allergies to other foods such as cereal grains, eggs, and seafood may also affect the digestive tract in children.

Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common condition that may cause diarrhea after eating foods or drinking beverages that contain milk or milk products. Low levels of lactase—the enzyme that helps digest lactose—or lactase deficiency, and malabsorption of lactose cause lactose intolerance.

The most common type of lactase deficiency in children develops over time, beginning after about age 2, when a child’s body begins to produce less lactase. Children who have lactase deficiency may not experience symptoms of lactose intolerance until they become older teenagers or adults.

Infants—newborns to age 1—rarely have lactose intolerance at birth. However, premature infants may experience lactose intolerance for a short time after birth. People sometimes mistake milk allergy, which can cause diarrhea in infants, for lactose intolerance.

Fructose intolerance
Fructose intolerance is a condition that may cause diarrhea after eating foods or drinking beverages that contain fructose, a sugar found in fruits, fruit juices, and honey. Fructose is added to many foods and soft drinks as a sweetener called high-fructose corn syrup. Fructose malabsorption causes fructose intolerance. The amount of fructose that a child’s body can absorb varies. A child’s ability to absorb fructose increases with age. Some children may be able to tolerate more fructose as they get older.

Sucrose intolerance
Sucrose intolerance is a condition that may cause diarrhea after eating foods or drinking beverages that contain sucrose, also known as table sugar or white sugar. Sucrose malabsorption causes sucrose intolerance. Children who are sucrose intolerant lack the enzyme that helps digest sucrose. Most children with sucrose intolerance are better able to tolerate sucrose as they get older.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These disorders can affect children at any age. However, they commonly begin in the grade school years or in adolescence.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO is an increase in the number of bacteria or a change in the type of bacteria in your small intestine. SIBO is often related to diseases that damage the digestive system such as Crohn’s disease.

This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.

Warts On Children's Buttocks

Children's Buttocks Rash

The NIDDK would like to thank:
Mark Donowitz, M.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine