Constipation | Diagnosis & Tests

How can the doctor tell if my child has constipation?

Your doctor will ask you about the pattern of your child's bowel movements. You can help your doctor by keeping a day-by-day list of your child's bowel movements. You should include:

• When your child sat on the toilet
• How long your child sat on the toilet
• What your child's stool looked like
• If your child has any soiling in his or her underwear

It also is important to note unusual changes in your child's stools or behavior. Some things to watch for include:

• Stools that are large in diameter
• Stools that are very hard
• Small amounts of bright red blood on the toilet tissue after your child has a bowel movement
• Stomach pain and bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Crying or screaming during bowel movements
• Avoiding the toilet or resisting toilet training

Your doctor will examine your child. The physical exam may include an exam of your child's rectum. The doctor may order an X-ray of your child's abdomen.