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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.

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 the birth.

Your thyroid gland makes 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.

Children with cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis often get constipated because these conditions affect their digestive system.

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 2008. All rights reserved.