š³Here are 5 signs your child is constipated that might just surprise you:
š©Large stools ā like really large. Like WOAH. Large stools may indicate that the bowels are moving slower than they should, creating larger stools that arenāt easy to pass. Or if they are easy, itās because the intestine has stretched around the stool and eventually pushes it out. Intestines that get stretched a lot STAY STRETCHED and that in turn, leads to constipation.
ć°ļøTracks on the undies: While you may consider diarrhea, usually diarrhea means lots of stool, not a track. That line of brown (sorry to be graphic!) may indicate that the poop is lodged in the intestine and the looser stool is leaking around it. It can also indicate muscle weakness around the anus secondary to chronic constipation.
šSpeaking of graphics and tracksā¦ did you spot the Bristol Stool Chart graphic in this video? You can Google and pick your favorite to download. The first thing we do in feeding therapy is begin to track how often kids go #2 and what it looks like. Parents are often surprised to learn that it should be smooth and sausage-shaped.
š¤¢If your child has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) then constipation may be the culprit. The pressure in the gut (from being stopped up) pushes the stomach contents upward, creating a wash of stomach acid into the esophagus (the tube in your throat for eating).
š½Irregular stool textures is another sign ā see the Bristol Stool Chart for an example
šPoor appetite ā in yesterdayās reel, I talked about the influence of pooping on appetite. Check that one out too!
Bottom line? (Pardon the pun) ā¦if youāre here to learn about raising an adventurous eater, honestly, it often starts with regular š©.
š¤What questions do you have? Ask away, Iām here to try and help! šMelanie
#melaniepotock #slpfeeding #feedingtherapy
Keep in mind, this is not medical advice. This is general information that any professional in this profession shares, but your childās gut is unique, so ALWAYS check with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your childās gut health.