Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice
07:41

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

Published on: February 3, 2016

[Functional childhood gastrointestinal disorders. II. Constipation and solitary encopresis: physiology and

R van Ginkel1, H A Büller, H S Heymans

  • 1Afd. Kindergastro-enterologie en voeding, Academisch Medisch Centrum/Emma Kinderziekenhuis, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam.

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|July 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Childhood constipation and encopresis are distinct conditions with varying prevalences. Understanding their complex physiology is key to diagnosing these functional bowel disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Functional Bowel Disorders

Context:

  • Childhood constipation affects 0.3-8% of children, while encopresis impacts 1-3%.
  • Recent classifications distinguish constipation and solitary encopresis as separate entities.
  • Constipation involves infrequent defecation, potentially with fecal soiling.

Purpose:

  • To differentiate constipation and solitary encopresis based on updated definitions.
  • To describe the clinical characteristics of each condition.
  • To highlight the complexity of the defecation and continence mechanisms.

Summary:

  • Constipation is defined by infrequent bowel movements, often with involuntary fecal loss.
  • Solitary encopresis typically occurs daily after school, with increasing severity of symptoms like abdominal pain and decreased appetite when defecation is absent.
  • A large fecal impaction may form, leading to infrequent, large-volume bowel movements.

Impact:

  • Improved diagnostic clarity for functional bowel disorders in children.
  • Foundation for further research into the complex pathophysiology of constipation and encopresis.
  • Potential for more targeted therapeutic strategies based on accurate diagnosis.

More Related Videos

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Using An In Vitro Tissue Perfusion System to Detect the Functional Activities of Isolated Intestinal Tubes in Real Time06:01

Using An In Vitro Tissue Perfusion System to Detect the Functional Activities of Isolated Intestinal Tubes in Real Time

Published on: July 26, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System III: Elimination01:26

Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System III: Elimination

The gastrointestinal elimination process involves a complex interplay of neural and hormonal mechanisms that coordinate the final waste removal from the body. This intricate operation encompasses the absorption of water and electrolytes, vital for transforming the remaining indigestible food matter into feces. The large intestine is pivotal in water and electrolyte absorption, forming feces from unabsorbed minerals, undigested food, bacteria, bile pigments, and shed epithelial cells. Essential...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome01:23

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...