Constipation in children
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Medical conditions linked to constipation

Medical conditions that affect the nerves and muscles of your child's bowels can cause constipation. But remember that most children with constipation don't have any of these conditions.

Hirschsprung's disease
Children are born with this condition, and it causes very bad constipation. The nerves to their bowels haven't developed properly, and the muscles that push stools out don't work well. This means stools build up in their bowels and stretches them out (this is also called congenital megacolon).

Surgery to remove the affected part of the bowels usually cures the condition. If your child has Hirschsprung's disease, you'll probably find out soon after their birth.

Thyroid problems
Your
 
 
 
 
 
thyroid gland
Your thyroid gland is a small organ that sits in your neck, just in front of your windpipe. It sends out a hormone called thyroxine. This acts on receptors within cells. By acting on the receptors it gives the cells a message to speed up their metabolism and work harder.
 
 
 
 
 
thyroid gland makes
 
 
 
 
 
hormones
Hormones are chemicals that are made in certain parts of the body. They travel through the bloodstream and have an effect on other parts of the body. For example, the female sex hormone estrogen is made in a woman's ovaries. Estrogen has many different effects on a woman's body. It makes the breasts grow at puberty and helps control periods. It is also needed to get pregnant.
 
 
 
 
 
hormones that your body needs to work properly. If your thyroid gland doesn't make enough of these hormones, you have what's called hypothyroidism. This can give you constipation. If your child has hypothyroidism, they'll be given medication to take regularly to replace the missing hormones.

Most children who get constipation because of thyroid problems have other symptoms, too. These may include weight gain, poor growth, hair loss and thick skin.

Other medical conditions
Children with
 
 
 
 
 
cerebral palsy
Children with cerebral palsy have disabilities because they were injured while they were in the womb or during birth. They often have trouble moving some or all of their limbs. They may also have learning difficulties and seizures.
 
 
 
 
 
cerebral palsy and
 
 
 
 
 
cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a disease people are born with that gives them problems with their lungs and bowels. The main results are breathing and digestive problems.
 
 
 
 
 
cystic fibrosis often get constipated because these conditions affect their digestive system.

This information was last updated on May 12, 2009
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.