Primary prevention
To prevent chronic constipation and fecal impaction, a diet high in fiber and adequate fluid intake should be encouraged, together with an active lifestyle and good toileting habits.
A recommended amount of daily fiber intake (in grams) for normal stooling is equivalent to the child's age plus 5 g/day (e.g., a 17-year-old should consume 22 g/day).[14]
Secondary prevention
Patients should be encouraged to continue good dietary habits: ensuring free daily water intake to at least 4 to 8 glasses per day and daily intake of fiber (suggested number of grams of fiber per day equals patient age plus 5), and consuming 5 fruits or vegetables per day.[12] The use of soluble or insoluble fiber supplementation is decided on a case-by-case basis. Soluble fibers tend to bulk the stool, while insoluble fibers tend to make the stool looser. Soluble fibers (e.g., psyllium, pectin) are therefore preferred, though their effectiveness is inconsistent and one meta-analysis found that there is no evidence to support the prescription of fiber supplementation in the diet of constipated children.[29][30]
They should take frequent bathroom breaks during the day, ideally after each meal.
When patients have the urge to have a bowel movement, they should not suppress it for long periods of time and should make a timely bathroom visit when the urge arises.
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