Parents and Children Resources

Constipation

This is definitely one of the most common symptoms I see in children and young people in my clinic.   A frequently quoted statistic is that up to 25% of consultations in a paediatric gastro clinic can be related to this issue. For the vast majority, around 90 to 95%,  there is no pathological cause found, so it is often also referred to as functional.  Using a combined approach including: education around the normal function of the bowel and the development of constipation, together with laxative medications, a significant improvement can be achieved.

A fantastic book that deals with this issue and its accompanying website is to be found at

https://www.theinsandoutsofpoop.com/

The ERIC website offers a whole host of information related to constipation and another problem that is often associated with it, faecal incontinence (also known as soiling, encopresis or poo accidents). It also has very helpful advice on urinary problems such as bedwetting.  The two conditions can sometimes be linked.

Another great resource is the "Poo in you" cartoon on YouTube.

Bowel Diary

As a parent myself, I know that it can be hard to keep track of my children's bowel habits. So to help with this, it can useful to keep a bowel or poo diary that charts bowel habits, poo consistency, food eaten, medications used and any other symptoms. They can help build up a clearer picture of stool patterns. I may ask you to complete one of these in time for an appointment or recommend you use one after an appointment.

Examples are below.

Children's bowel diary and poo chart

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https://www.eric.org.uk/pdf-poo-diary

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Poo Accidents and how to reduce these

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The Poo in You.  This is a great video explaining how our bodies form poo, and the underlying process behind poo accidents or soiling. It gives tips on how to improve toileting routines and right way to sit on the toilet.