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Enduring constipation problems for children
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Enduring constipation is a problem that we usually associate with older people. Unfortunately, it turns out to be a serious concern that affects a significant portion of society worldwide, including about 15 percent of children. Usually, it's a difficulty that is suppressed due to shame or reluctance to discuss it.. Others believe that this issue is temporary and will resolve on its own.. Unfortunately, a crucial role is played here by the proper nutritional approach and patient's attitude.
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Chronic Bowel Suppression
Chronic bowel suppression, also referred to as retention behavior, involves the prolonged, functional inhibition of defecation due to weakened peristaltic movements of the colon or excessive muscle contraction. It may also occur when an individual deliberately avoids bowel movements due to negative associations, aversion to public restrooms, shame, or disgust. The individual's mental state plays a crucial role in this condition. In addition to psychological support, it is essential to incorporate dietary products that facilitate bowel movements and alleviate constipation, which is often accompanied by abdominal pain and discomfort. Chronic constipation may stem from metabolic, neurological, or endocrinological disorders.
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Establishing bowel movement habits in children
The development of bowel habits in children continues until the age of 16. Children often associate defecation with discomfort and disgust, leading them to avoid it. Consequently, stools are passed less than twice a week and are wide and abundant. Frequently observed is a retention posture, where the child, through strong contraction of the gluteal muscles and abrupt interruption of activity, attempts to suppress bowel movements. The child may sit or squat, and after some time, when the urge subsides, returns to play. It is crucial to ensure the child consumes adequate fiber, such as through whole grain products like whole wheat pasta, rye bread, or brown rice. This issue affects up to 15% of children, causing them anxiety and stress. Due to feelings of shame, children do not discuss this with their parents, increasing the risk of complications like fecal incontinence. In summary, chronic constipation is a common problem, and children, driven by shame, disgust, fear of rejection or public restrooms, and pain, strive to avoid defecation, expending significant physical and psychological energy in the process.
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Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian
• 24.03.2026
mgr Literatura: H. Ciborowska, A. Rudnicka: „Dietetyka. Żywienie zdrowego i chorego człowieka.”, Wydawnictwo Lekarskie PZWL, Warszawa, 2012. M. Merger, F. Klebl, F. X. Hierlmeier, K. D. Palitzsch: „Recurrent fecolithiasis in a patient with habitual constipation and megarectum.”, Dtsch med Wochenschr 1999; 124(42): 1235-1238. W. Ostwani, J. Dolan, Y. Elitsur: „Familial Clustering of Habitual Constipation: A Prospective Study in Children From West Virginia.”, Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 50(3):287–289, MAR 2010. Z. Zhu, H. Li, L. Chen, G. Wang, C. Kan: „Acupuncture treatment of habitual constipation.”, J Tradit Chin Med. 2003 Jun;23(2):133.
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