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Hemorrhoids in Children: Role of Constipation by: Sue Bristol, R.N. As with most adults, constipation is the primary culprit behind the development or aggravation of hemorrhoids in children. There is even somewhat of an unusual relationship between hemorrhoids and constipation in that constipation can both cause hemorrhoids as well as be a result of hemorrhoids. Chronic constipation can cause hemorrhoids in your child because the infrequent passage of hard, dry stools is very irritating to the blood vessels in the rectum and around the anus.
Further, constipation usually causes your child to push or strain which in turn causes the pressure in the lower abdomen to increase and thus causing your child to develop hemorrhoids. Likewise, hemorrhoids are a causative factor in the development of constipation. This occurs because constipation results in the pushing and straining which is so instrumental in increasing pressure in the lower abdomen. It is truly a case of the worse it gets, the worse it gets. It is of interest to note that though one does not inherit hemorrhoids, there is a familial predisposition to constipation which may in turn lead to the development of hemorrhoids. Studies have shown that if there are family members who have struggled with constipation, one is more likely to develop constipation at a younger age than those without such family connections. Further, the constipation is likely to last longer and be a factor in other complications in addition to hemorrhoids, such as, rectal prolapse and cracks around the anus which are called fissures. Most likely your child will be diagnosed with functional constipation. This means that his or her irregular passage of hard, dry, stools is most likely a result of bad habits (such as delaying bowel movement when the urge is first felt), low dietary fiber intake, inadequate water, and so on. Thus, many cases of sluggish bowels can be corrected by a few simple changes that you will help your child make. Organic constipation on the other hand has as its cause a physical abnormality which will require medical intervention in order to reverse. If you have consulted with your physician, he will evaluate whether or not there could be an underlying physical condition responsible for the constipation. If he says there is no organic disorder, it would be wise of you to take your child's bowel habits seriously Having said that, however, it is possible for functional constipation to become organic. This could, for instance, occur because as your child repeatedly delays the bowel movement after the urge is felt, the fecal matter can be pushed further up into the colon where it will stay and become harder as it loses moisture. Likewise, the muscles that hold the stool in can become stretched and out of shape. It is important that the child learn the basics of good toilet habits so that both of you will avoid a lifetime of misery.
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Sue Bristol, R.N.
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