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Constipation

Many children suffer from constipation which can cause difficulty stooling, hard stools, stomach pain, and decreased appetite.

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Constipation

At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we understand that dealing with constipation can be challenging for both children and their families. Our compassionate approach ensures that your child receives not only the highest quality care but also the support and understanding they need during this uncomfortable time. We follow the clinical pathways of the leading children’s hospitals in the country, combining the latest research with empathetic care to effectively manage and treat constipation.

Constipation in Children

Constipation is a common issue among children, often causing discomfort and distress. When children experience constipation, they might exhibit signs such as avoiding bathroom visits, displaying discomfort, and showing physical symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating or hard, dry stools. Understanding and addressing constipation is crucial to relieving your child’s discomfort and preventing long-term issues.

Signs and Symptoms of Constipation

Children with constipation may experience:

Decreased Frequency: A significant reduction in the number of bowel movements, sometimes skipping days between poops.
Hard, Dry Stools: Poop that is difficult to pass and painful.
Pain with Pooping: Discomfort or pain during bowel movements.
Abdominal Symptoms: Bloating, cramping, or pain in the abdomen.
Small Liquid Stools: Leakage of liquid stool around the hard, impacted stool, which may soil underwear.

Causes of Constipation

Constipation in children often arises from a combination of factors:

Diet: High-fat, low-fiber foods, and insufficient water intake can contribute to constipation.
Lack of Exercise: Insufficient physical activity can slow down digestion.
Busy Lifestyle: Children who are engrossed in play may ignore their body’s signals to use the bathroom.
Behavioral Factors: Resistance to potty training or avoidance of public restrooms can exacerbate constipation.

Diagnosing Constipation

To determine the cause of constipation, your child’s healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation:

‍Medical History: Questions about early bowel movements, frequency, pain, diet, and any stressors.
Physical Exam: Assessment of the abdomen and rectum.
Special Tests: Depending on symptoms, additional tests might be required to identify underlying causes.

Treatment for Constipation

Kids 1^st Urgent Care treatment of constipation follows the clinical pathways of the leading children’s hospitals in the country. This means that our treatment strategies are based on the latest research and best practices in pediatric care, ensuring that your child receives the highest standard of care. We work with you to develop a care plan that addresses the specific needs of your child, considering their age, health status, and any unique factors contributing to their constipation.

Treatment plans for constipation are tailored to each child and may include:

Dietary Changes: Increasing fiber intake and ensuring adequate hydration.
Medications: Laxatives or stool softeners may be prescribed based on your child’s needs.
Behavioral Strategies: Establishing regular bathroom routines and encouraging physical activity.

Outlook for Constipation

The outlook for treating constipation in children varies. Most children—up to 90%—will experience no long-term or recurring problems with appropriate treatment. However, children with underlying intestinal diseases may face more persistent issues. At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to ensure the best possible outcomes for your child’s health and well-being.

Child-Friendly Environment

Understanding that medical treatments can be stressful for children, all of our providers have been trained by our Child Life Specialists on how to approach your child in a friendly and compassionate manner. We strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible, with a child- centered environment and a caring staff that helps ease any anxiety.

Kids 1st Urgent Care sources its medical research from leading authorities in pediatric medicine, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Texas Children’s Hospital.

Location

We bring MOBILE urgent pediatric medical care for your child to any location in Miami Dade and Broward County.

Hours

Kids 1st Urgent Care is available 7 days a week until midnight. We are open limited hours on holidays.

Support

Our dedicated team is available to address any questions or concerns before, during, and after your child's visit.

Kids 1st Urgent Care always puts the wellbeing of your child as our top priority.

If our providers determine that your child's illness or injury requires a higher level of care, we will assist you in finding the most suitable emergency department. We will notify a provider at that facility to ensure your child's arrival is anticipated. Kids 1st Urgent Care will inform your child's pediatrician of our evaluation and recommendations. We will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have throughout this process. At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we always provide exceptional, compassionate, and personalized care with a concierge touch, treating your child as if they were our own and ensuring their wellbeing.