New NHS data reveals a troubling increase in childhood constipation cases, with over 44,000 children admitted to hospitals in England and Wales last year for treatment. This figure underscores the growing impact of the condition on young children, with a notable 60% rise in hospital diagnoses among primary school-aged children over the past decade. Experts are now urging increased awareness about the often hidden health challenges related to constipation and its potential long-term effects.
According to Prof. Monica Lakhanpaul, a leading paediatrician, many cases of childhood constipation go unaddressed because families are embarrassed and hesitant to seek help. “This isn’t a minor issue for children,” Lakhanpaul explains. “It can cause missed school days, physical discomfort, and emotional distress. It’s crucial to recognize the seriousness of this condition.”
Constipation in children is a common issue, particularly during the potty training years. While some cases are linked to underlying medical conditions, many are caused by factors such as poor diet, inadequate fibre intake, dehydration, and anxiety around using the toilet. Without early intervention, children can develop a fear of using the toilet, which exacerbates the issue, resulting in chronic constipation that may require extended treatment, including laxatives and ongoing toilet training.
Children suffering from constipation often experience a range of distressing symptoms, such as stomach pain, vomiting, and painful bowel movements. In some cases, children may even soil themselves at school due to constipation, leading to additional emotional struggles. “The impact on a child’s mental health and school experience cannot be underestimated,” says Lakhanpaul.
Hospital admission data indicates a sharp rise in childhood constipation diagnoses in the past ten years. The number of diagnoses for children aged 0-16 has grown from 29,087 in 2014-15 to 44,161 in 2023-24, representing a 46% increase after adjusting for population growth. The most significant increase is observed in primary school-aged children, with diagnoses rising by 60% from 9,977 in 2014-15 to 16,973 in 2023-24.
While the rise in diagnoses could be attributed to greater awareness of the condition, some experts believe it is also linked to societal factors, such as poverty, food insecurity, and children starting school before they are fully toilet trained.
Rebecca McManamon, a consultant dietitian, notes that poor dietary habits, including insufficient fibre intake, are a significant contributor to the issue. “Many families are struggling with food poverty, and this impacts children’s nutrition,” she explains. “Staples like potatoes, which are high in fibre, are often left off the plate because families can’t afford to cook them.”
McManamon also highlights the severe long-term health risks associated with untreated constipation. “If left unchecked, constipation can lead to conditions like diverticular disease and haemorrhoids. These issues can affect children’s ability to concentrate in school, further affecting their development.”
Juliette Rayner, CEO of a children’s bowel and bladder charity, warns that many families find it challenging to access timely medical care. “In an ideal world, no child would need to go to the emergency room for constipation,” she says. “They should be able to see a GP and get the help they need before the condition becomes more severe.”
The issue extends to the school environment as well, with growing concerns about children’s access to toilets during school hours. A recent survey revealed that one in four children in England and Wales are not toilet trained by the time they start school. Schools, which are not traditionally equipped to address toileting habits, may inadvertently increase children’s anxiety. Some secondary schools have even implemented restrictive toilet policies, such as locking bathrooms outside of break times or installing metal shutters.
Lakhanpaul stresses that children need to feel comfortable using the toilet when they need to. “Positive toileting habits require easy access to toilets. Schools should not create additional barriers or stress for children,” she says. “If children are afraid to ask to go to the bathroom, it can make the problem worse.”
As childhood constipation rates rise, health professionals and educators are calling for a shift in how the condition is viewed and addressed. Early intervention, education on healthy toilet habits, and greater support for families are critical to preventing the long-term physical and emotional consequences of constipation.
For more updates on the rising childhood constipation cases and the impact on children’s health, visit London Pulse News.
