Constipation in Children

To diagnose constipation, your child’s healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. They’ll ask you about your child’s:

Bathroom and bowel movement patterns.
Diet and eating habits.
Toilet training.
Health problems (if any).
Medications (if any).

During the physical exam, your child’s healthcare provider will check your child’s belly. They’ll want to see if it’s swollen, tender or has any masses or lumps. They may also examine your child’s rectum to look for blood or a blockage.

What tests will be done to diagnose constipation?

Your child probably won’t need any tests to diagnose their condition. Your child’s healthcare provider may order tests if their constipation is caused by an underlying health condition. Tests they may order include:

Abdominal X-ray: An X-ray can show stool that’s still in your child’s colon.
Blood test: Blood tests, such as a complete blood count, can show signs of certain diseases.
Stool test: A stool test can show signs of infection or blood in your child’s stool.
Urine test: A urine test can show signs of bladder inflammation or infection.
Bowel function test: This test can show how well stool moves through your child’s colon.
Rectal biopsy: A small piece of tissue from your child’s rectum will be examined under a microscope.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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