Changes in bowel habits are common during childhood. Some children have difficulty passing stool, while others may have stool leakage or accidents. These problems can be frustrating for both children and parents, but they are common and can often be managed with the right support and treatment.
The purpose of this section is to describe several functional defecation disorders that may cause constipation and/or stool incontinence in children. These include:
Although these conditions can have similar symptoms, their causes and treatments may be different. A healthcare provider can help determine what may be causing a child’s symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
What is a functional disorder?
A functional disorder is a disorder of gut-brain interaction. This means there is a problem with how the digestive system functions, rather than damage or inflammation that can be seen in the body.
For functional GI disorders, the problem may involve how the digestive system moves food and stool, senses what is happening inside the body, or communicates with the brain. These changes cause real symptoms, even when tests do not show a disease, injury, or blockage.
When Should I Talk to My Child’s Healthcare Provider?
Talk with your child’s healthcare provider if constipation, stool accidents, or changes in bowel habits:
- Continue or keep coming back
- Cause pain or distress
- Interfere with school or daily activities
- Lead to frequent stool accidents
- Cause your child to avoid using the toilet
- Affect eating, growth, or overall well-being
A healthcare provider can evaluate your child’s symptoms and help determine whether the problem is functional or related to another medical condition.