Constipation in children - What will happen?

Most children get constipation from time to time. Usually it lasts just a few days. But for some children, the constipation goes on and on. If it's not treated properly, it can get worse.

It's hard to say what will happen if your child has ongoing constipation. Doctors call this chronic constipation.

Not many studies have looked at ongoing constipation. But here's what we know.[1]

Constipation can be uncomfortable and stressful for your child, but usually it isn't serious.
If your child has constipation, it doesn't mean that they will get bowel problems (such as bowel cancer) later in life.
Your child is more likely to get better if the constipation is treated early. One study found that treatment worked better for children younger than 2 years than for those older than 2.[1]
Your child is more likely to get long-lasting constipation if they are constipated while very young and if constipation is common in your family.[2]
Up to one-third of children continue to be constipated as they get older.[3]

If your child's bowels become completely blocked with large, hard stools (called impacted faeces), your doctor will probably prescribe a type of laxative called a macrogol (one brand name is Movicol Paediatric Plain).[4]

As a last resort, your child may need hospital treatment. This is rare. In hospital, your child might need their bowel cleared with an enema (a liquid medicine placed into your child's rectum). Your child will usually be given a sedative before this is done. Occasionally, if your child's constipation is very bad, their doctor may give them a general anaesthetic and then remove the hard, packed stools.[4] But doctors don't often use these procedures nowadays.

References

Loening-Baucke V. Chronic constipation in children. Gastroenterology. 1993; 105: 1557-1564.
Staiano A, Andreotti MR, Greco L, et al. Long term follow-up of children with chronic idiopathic constipation. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 1994; 39: 561-564.
Van Ginkel R, Buller HA, Boeckxstaens GE, et al. The effect of anorectal manometry on the outcome of treatment in severe childhood constipation: a randomized, controlled trial. Pediatrics. 2001; 108: 9.
British National Formulary for Children. Laxatives. Section 1.6. BNFC 2007. British Medical Association, Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group. Also available at http://bnfc.org (accessed on 28 November 2007).

Glossary

rectum: The rectum is the last 15 to 20 centimetres (six to eight inches) of the large intestine, ending with the anus (where you empty your bowels from).
enema: An enema is liquid that is poured into the rectum to clean it out. Many people find it uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it helps a doctor to see the inside of the bowels.
sedation: The word 'sedate' means calm and relaxed. In medicine, sedation means using a medicine to calm someone down: for example, before an operation.
general anaesthetic: You may have a type of medicine called a general anaesthetic when you have surgery. It is given to make you unconscious so you don't feel pain when you have surgery.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.