For children with chronic constipation, stool moves too slowly through their colon and fluid is absorbed by the body, making the stool hard and difficult to pass. This can cause abdominal pain, larger-than-typical bowel movements – enough to clog the toilet – and, in some cases, stool leakage (encopresis).

The Chronic Constipation Program treats toilet-trained children and teens who are developmentally capable of participating in behavioral interventions. Our team provides intensive medical and behavioral therapy to children with chronic constipation.

Interventions may include:

• Medications to keep stool soft and slippery, allowing it to pass more easily
• Eating a high-fiber diet
• Increasing water intake
• Toilet sitting after meals to promote regular stooling
• Laxatives or enemas
• Biofeedback therapy
• Behavioral therapy