Bottle fed babies often suffer from constipation because formula milk is harder for them to digest than breast milk. Their stools tend to be thicker and have a different, more greenish colour.
What causes constipation?
Common causes of constipation include:
- Lack of liquid and dehydration
- Lack of fibre
- Inactivity
- Stress
- Ignoring the urge to go to the toilet
Some medications and medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can also bring on symptoms, as can changes in the environment, such as going on a holiday or going into hospital.
How can constipation be treated?
Symptoms of constipation can usually be managed through simple diet and lifestyle changes alone. These include:
- taking regular exercise
- drinking at least eight glasses of water a day
- eating a high fibre diet with brain cereals and whole grains
- eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
- keeping stress to a minimum
- not ignoring the urge to go to the toilet
In babies, massaging the stomach, moving the legs in a cycling motion, a warm bath and giving the baby cool, boiled water can all help to relieve symptoms.
If an individual is not responding to the above, they should seek advice from their pharmacist or GP who may be able to prescribe suitable laxatives or a fibre supplement.
In cases of severe abdominal pain, vomiting or passing blood in bowel motions, a General Physician should be consulted as soon as possible.
Get more about bowel constipation and constipation treatment.
