Infant Constipation; low profile, high costs

Although considered by many to be one of the less serious childhood afflictions, infant constipation treatment has been estimated to cost around $4m in the US alone.  This figure is similar to the treatment costs for asthma and ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) in the US and is estimated to be similarly expensive in other developed countries in Europ and Oceania.  Despite the similarity in costs, the public and media profile of baby constipation is much lower than for asthma and ADHD and many health professionals hope that that will now change as the true costs become known.

 

Unnecessary Suffering

Baby constipation and constipation in older children can lead to a significantly decreased quality of life for the child in question.  Apart from the physical discomfort that is suffered there is also a very damaging psychological component to the illness.  The day-to-day struggle caused by constipation can often be emotionally devastating, and can also have an impact on the overall health and well-being of affected children and their families.  This is a shame because constipation in babies and older children is entirely avoidable.

A general increased awareness of the problem would perhaps help parents take measures to prevent the condition developing – always more effective than a cure – and not only cut back on unnecessary spending but on unnecessary suffering for babies and children.

Prevention is better than a cure

Constipation can be prevented by simple measures in the areas of behaviour and diet.

Parents should monitor their child's bathroom habits closely and be concerned if they do not have at least one bowel movement every other day.  Obviously young babies will go much more frequently.  You should also talk to your child, when she is old enough, about the importance of going to the bathroom regularly.

A diet high in fruit and vegetables is also a sure way to help your child avoid constipation.  Low fibre, high fat diets are almost certain to lead to problems with constipation.

Low-fibre foods that can cause constipation include:

    * Ice cream
    * Cheese
    * Meat
    * Snacks like chips and pizza
    * Processed foods, such as instant mashed potatoes or frozen dinners.

These foods should be avoided as much as possible and children 'strongly encouraged' to eat  plenty of fruit and vegetables.  When your baby is slightly older and begins eating regular food the opportunities for her to be exposed to less wholesome foods grows everyday and so it is important to instill good eating habits from an early age.

You can read more on baby constipation here.