Symptom 3: Constipation
Constipation, at first glance, might seem like a benign issue. Many children experience it occasionally due to dietary changes, low fiber intake, or even stress. However, when constipation is a result of a bowel obstruction, it’s a whole different ball game.
An obstructed bowel can prevent or severely limit the passage of stools. If your child hasn’t had a bowel movement for an unusually extended period, it might indicate that something’s blocking the way. This isn’t just about counting days but observing a pattern. For instance, if your child, who typically has daily bowel movements, suddenly goes two or three days without one, that’s a red flag.
The stools, when they do pass, might be hard, dry, and pellet-like, indicating they’ve been in the colon for longer than they should be. The child might express discomfort or pain while trying to defecate, another sign that all’s not well in their digestive tract.
However, constipation alone might not conclusively point to an obstruction. It becomes a significant concern when seen in conjunction with other symptoms on this list, especially abdominal pain or vomiting. In such cases, it’s best not to resort to home remedies or over-the-counter solutions immediately but seek a pediatrician’s counsel. (3)
