Pain caused by constipation in children

When a constipated child passes a large, hard, dry stool, the bowel movement can cause pain. This pain may be caused by:

  • Pushing with the abdominal muscles to move the stool out of the rectum.
  • Stretching of the opening of the digestive tract (anus).
  • A tear in the anal opening (anal fissure).

Pain caused by passing a hard, dry stool can trigger a vicious cycle: Pain discourages a child from trying to have a bowel movement, which worsens the constipation, which causes more pain. This cycle may lead to persistent (chronic) constipation.


Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BSLast Updated: December 14, 2006
Medical Review: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

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