The appropriate stool consistency resembles toothpaste, and the child excretes it without any difficulty... If a small child voids less often than every three days and their stool is hard (which requires a lot of effort and causes pain), we are dealing with constipation that cannot be disregarded.
Bowel movement disorders in children
Bowel movement disorders occur when a child has infrequent bowel movements, defined as less than twice a week, or when defecation requires excessive effort. This condition affects approximately 10% of children globally and occurs periodically in 30% of young patients. It impacts both infants and older children. The causes of these disorders vary depending on the child's age. Three main types are recognized: atonic, spastic, and habitual constipation. Atonic constipation is linked to low physical activity, spastic constipation results from excessive intestinal contractions that impede defecation, and habitual constipation often arises during transitional phases, such as learning to use public restrooms. Additionally, food allergies may contribute to these issues.
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