Treatment of Constipation in Children

Initial Assessment and Non-Pharmacological Approaches

Increasing fluid intake is a first step in managing constipation in young children, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, with the goal of improving stool consistency and frequency 1, 2
Dietary fiber should be increased if the child has adequate fluid intake, as it can help improve stool consistency and frequency, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1
Fruit juices that contain sorbitol, such as prune, pear, and apple juices, can help increase stool frequency and water content in infants with constipation, as suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics 2, 3
It is essential to rule out impaction, which may present with overflow diarrhea around the impacted stool, as indicated by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1, 4

Glycerin suppositories may be considered for immediate relief in children with constipation, as recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding antimotility drugs like loperamide in children under 18 years of age with acute diarrhea, due to the risk of adverse effects 5
The goal of treatment is one non-forced bowel movement every 1-2 days, as suggested by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1, 4