Constipation in a child is observed quite often, and this is due to the imperfection of his digestive system. The microflora in the baby is often disturbed, and as a result, there are problems with the defecation process. You can get rid of them by correcting the daily diet, and if the diet does not give the desired result, then laxatives are used for constipation for children, presented in a wide range.
Indications for use
If there are problems with the defecation process, medication is indicated to treat constipation in a child. Means are selected purely individually, depending on the age of the baby and the characteristics of his body. Before taking the medicine, be sure to consult with your doctor.
Special laxatives help to normalize the functioning of the intestines, soften the feces and remove them from the body much faster. Since the number of bowel movements in a child is individual, many parents cannot independently determine constipation. In case of occurrencepain when passing feces, you need to take certain laxatives.
The absence of a bowel movement for more than a day in infants indicates the presence of constipation.
Medication form
Remedy for children from constipation is prescribed purely individually, depending on the age of the child. Infants are not prescribed drugs in tablet form, so certain forms of medicines are used. There are 3 main forms of delivery of laxatives for children, namely:
- rectal suppositories for topical use;
- syrups;
- microclysters.
The main component of rectal suppositories is glycerin, the use of which is allowed from birth. The composition of syrups contains lactulose, which has a mild laxative effect. However, it is worth remembering that taking certain laxatives can provoke flatulence. Microclysters are considered to be the safest and fastest remedy for a newborn.
Children from a year old remedy for constipation is prescribed in the form of syrups, drops and suppositories. Since the chosen medicine is added to drink or food, it should have a pleasant taste and not have a strong odor. Be aware that some medications can cause discomfort and nausea.
For a child over 6 years old, any form of release of the drug is suitable, so you can use:
- capsules;
- drops;
- pills;
- powders;
- candles.
Normalize the functioning of the intestine will allow the use of an enema. With the help of a thoroughly washed syringe, clean warm water is introduced into the intestines. Most importantly, accurately calculate the required amount of fluid to be administered so as not to harm the child.
Laxatives for newborns
A big problem for parents is constipation in babies, since at this age it is forbidden to give strong medicines. To do this, there are safe laxatives for babies. "Glycerol" is available in the form of rectal suppositories containing glycerin. This is a fast-acting laxative for constipation in a 1-year-old child, which has an irritating effect on the intestinal walls and makes the stool more liquid. This is a fast acting drug. However, it is not recommended for regular use.
The drug "Mikrolaks" is considered a means of complex effects due to the content of sodium citrate and sorbitol. It helps to quickly soften the stool and increases the flow of fluid into the intestine.
Duphalac constipation remedy for children is most commonly used to treat constipation. It contains natural dietary fiber. It is worth noting certain features of this drug, namely:
- not absorbed into the intestinal wall;
- acts as a probiotic;
- not addictive;
- allowed for long-term use.
The only contraindication to the use of all these drugs are considered anomalies in the development of the intestine, as well as pathology.
Laxatives for children from 3 to 7 years old
There are a variety of remedies for constipation in children 2 years old, as for an older baby you can use:
- vaseline oil;
- sorbitol and xylitol;
- Guttalax.
Ordinary vaseline oil is considered the simplest and most reliable remedy that facilitates the passage of feces, and is also not absorbed in the body. However, it is worth noting that side effects may occur when using this drug.
Sorbitol and xylitol are alcohols that help retain water in the intestinal lumen, resulting in softer stools and faster elimination.
The drug "Guttalax" refers to synthetic products, consisting of triarylmethane. The drug acts only in the large intestine, while increasing its peristalsis. Side effects are very rare.
Laxatives for children over 12
Schoolchildren are prescribed a more powerful remedy for constipation for children, which helps to quickly and effectively cope with the existing problem. The most popular is the drug "Senade", which is made on the basis of senna leaves. It helps stimulate bowel function. This drug is available in tablet form and acts 10-12 hours after ingestion. The dosage method is 1-2 tablets at night.
The drug "Regulax" is also made on the basis of senna, is available in the form of fruit-based cubes. The dosage is 0, 5 or 1 cube per day. The most common remedy for constipation in children is castor oil. It has a stimulating effect on the muscles of the intestine, increasing the amount of feces. This remedy should be taken in 1 tbsp. l. on an empty stomach.
There are many remedies for constipation, but you need to choose them very carefully, after consulting with your doctor.
Osmotic preparations
Laxatives for constipation for children are used exclusively for symptomatic therapy. To determine and eliminate the cause of this pathological condition, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis.
To choose the most effective and safe drug, you need to take into account the principle of the effect of the drug and possible contraindications. Depending on the mechanism of action on the child's body, all drugs for constipation are divided into osmotic and irritating.
In addition, there are products for constipation for children 3 years old based on probiotics. They have a mild laxative effect, normalize the state of the microflora of the stomach and intestines. Before using drugs, you need to take into account the condition of the child and the reaction of his body to the components included in the composition.
Osmotic agents are used for symptomatic treatment of children and adults. They have a softer and more gentle effect onorganism than other groups of drugs. Therefore, children under 10 are allowed to take them.
The action of osmotic agents is to increase the osmotic pressure in the intestine. This is due to the ability of the constituent components to take water from the surrounding tissues, thereby softening the stool. They become softer, and the act of defecation is much easier. Basically, such funds are available in the form of a powder.
Probiotics
Probiotic laxatives are classified as safe drugs. They basically contain food components that, after ingestion, penetrate into the lower parts of the digestive organs without changing their structure. These drugs contribute to the normalization of the bacterial balance and have a positive effect on the intestinal microflora.
Probiotic-based medicines can be used to treat both acute and chronic bowel problems. Since these drugs are not addictive, they are allowed to be used for a long time. In the first few days of taking this drug, side effects in the form of flatulence may be observed, but it passes very quickly. The process of defecation is normalized literally 2-3 days after taking the drug.
Probiotics help stimulate the contraction of the intestinal walls and promote fluid retention in this organ. This process occurs due to the action of organic acids. There is only one contraindication to the use of these drugs, namely the individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
Irritating laxative
An irritant laxative is characterized by the fact that it contains exclusively herbal ingredients. They are considered quite effective, but at the same time they have a number of contraindications and side effects. Such medicines are produced in the form of tablets, suppositories and drops.
The mechanism of action is to irritate the nerve fibers of the intestinal wall. The reaction to these drugs is increased secretion and contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall. As a result, feces are passed much faster and easier.
There are various side effects that may occur while taking these medicines. Their frequent and prolonged use can lead to a loss of sensitivity of nerve endings, which leads to a decrease in the tone of a particular organ. Therefore, sometimes there is a need to use a larger dosage of the drug.
Due to the large amount of accumulated feces, together with a significant stimulating effect, the child may experience pain and discomfort in the abdomen. This is due to the fact that feces act on pain receptors. For the category of irritant drugs, there are a number of specific contraindications, in particular such as:
- chestage;
- pain in the abdomen;
- inflammatory process;
- intestinal obstruction;
- peritonitis;
- pancreatitis.
If a child constantly takes such a remedy, then he may develop a disease, the main signs of which will be a violation of the water-s alt balance and the death of the nervous tissues of the intestine.
Most popular remedies
The best remedy for constipation for children is selected purely individually, taking into account the condition of the baby and its physiological characteristics. Laxatives should preferably be used in conjunction with a specially selected diet.
Duphalac is considered a good remedy, which contains lactulose syrup, due to which there is an osmotic effect. This tool belongs to probiotics, allows you to normalize the intestinal microflora and the process of defecation. The drug "Duphalac" helps to eliminate dysbacteriosis, as well as constipation. Babies 2 years old are prescribed this medicine in 5-10 ml, and take it undiluted or add a little water.
Children are often prescribed Bisacodyl suppositories, as they help to get rid of the problem of constipation very quickly. This drug enhances bowel muscle contraction and is considered an emergency laxative. The result is observed literally within an hour after the introduction of the suppository into the rectum. However, it is worth remembering that there are certain contraindications to the use of this remedy, which include such as:
- children's age up to a year;
- inflammatory processes;
- intestinal obstruction;
- intestinal spasms.
For the treatment of constipation, a child of 2-7 years old is prescribed half a candle 1 time per day. Children aged 7-14 are prescribed 1 candle per day.
Suppositories with glycerin, which irritate the rectal mucosa, are considered an effective remedy. This tool belongs to the methods of emergency assistance. It is prescribed in the event that the use of oral drugs does not bring relief. Children under 2 years of age are prescribed this medicine on an individual basis, in exceptional cases.
Glycelax is available in the form of suppositories that are injected into the rectum. The composition of the drug includes glycerin, which has a laxative effect. After about 1 hour, the defecation process begins.
What drugs are prohibited for a child?
Any remedy used to treat constipation in a child must be agreed with the attending doctor, study the composition of the medicine and the possible consequences of its use. There are certain medicines that are prohibited for children. First of all, you can not take drugs based on magnesium and sodium s alts. They can cause dehydration and lead to a deterioration in the well-being of the child.
Means based on diphenol can cause an allergic reaction and disrupt the functioning of internal organs. Many side effects can be provoked by drugs that include prokinetics. Particularly for the treatment of childrenit is forbidden to use such means as "Primer", "Ganaton", "Trimedat".
Folk remedies for constipation
Many are interested in if the child has constipation, what to do. Folk remedies for treating a baby are prescribed quite often. There are many fairly simple and safe recipes to get rid of the existing problem.
Very well help such folk remedies for constipation in children as seaweed and bran. They need to be added to food or consumed as an independent dish. To solve the problem with the process of defecation allows a remedy made from ground rosehip leaves and sugar. You need to eat 1 tbsp. l. the resulting mixture 3 times a day.
If a child is constipated at 3 years old, folk remedies help soften the feces and improve their excretion. The consumption of decoctions of raisins, dried fruits, tea made from apples and cherries is recommended. In order to prevent constipation, cabbage pickle and oatmeal jelly are used.
Among folk remedies for constipation in children over 5 years old, senna leaves can be distinguished. For this, 1 tbsp. l. herbs need to be poured with boiling water and let it brew well. You need to take this remedy 3 times a day for 1 tbsp. l.
Stool retention can signal serious illness. That is why, if the treatment of constipation in children with folk remedies did not bring the desired result, then you need to consult a doctor so that he prescribes competent adequate therapy.
