HealthInfo Canterbury
Constipation is a very common problem for tamariki (children). For most tamariki
children
, constipation means passing hard stools (poo) with difficulty and less frequently than normal.
Soiling (also known as faecal soiling or encopresis) is also a common problem that affects many tamariki. Soiling is when a tamaiti (child) poos in their pants after the age you would expect them to be toilet trained. It can happen to any toddler, or tamaiti child teenager.
Your tamaiti may be constipated if:
There are many reasons why your tamaiti might be constipated.
Tests aren't normally needed to diagnose constipation.
Your doctor is likely to ask you questions about your child's bowel habits and diet, and examine your child. The doctor may look at your child's anus to check there are no small splits or tears that may cause bleeding and make it painful for your tamaiti to pass a poo.
Your doctor may also check that there is no underlying disease or condition that might be causing your child's constipation.
You can help your tamaiti child by increasing the fluid and fibre in their diet, encouraging daily physical activity and having a regular toilet habit. Helping your child with constipation has more information about this.
Sometimes tamariki children will also need medication to help with constipation known as laxatives.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
This video will teach you why constipation happens to tamariki and what you can do to fix it.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
Information about the signs and symptoms of constipation and what you can do about it.
Information about what causes soiling in tamariki and what you can do to help.
Information about soiling in tamariki including treatment and advice about diet and fluids.
Information about the causes and treatment of constipation in tamariki.
The factsheet is also available in Arabic, Assyrian, Burmese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Karen, Persian, Somali, Turkish and Vietnamese.
On the next page: Helping your child with constipation
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed February 2022.
Review key: HICOC-14683