Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

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

Published on: August 18, 2023

The impact of constipation on the urinary tract system

Sarel Halachmi1, Walid A Farhat

  • 1Department of Urology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. s_halachmi@rambam.health.gov.il

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health
|June 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Constipation and bowel disorders are often overlooked in children with urinary issues. Addressing both urinary and bowel problems together is crucial for successful treatment and preventing long-term health concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Urology
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Functional urinary tract disorders in children and adolescents are frequently associated with undiagnosed constipation and bowel dysfunction.
  • The close anatomical and functional relationship between the alimentary and urinary systems means dysfunction in one system impacts the other.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the underestimation of bowel disorders in pediatric patients with functional urinary symptoms.
  • To emphasize the necessity of a combined assessment and treatment approach for both urinary and bowel systems.
  • To discuss the long-term implications of untreated childhood bowel dysfunction on adult health.

Main Methods:

  • Review of the normal development of voiding and defecation control.
  • Analysis of the impact of bowel disorders on the urinary system.
  • Guidance on the assessment and management strategies for affected pediatric patients.

Main Results:

  • Children and adolescents with urinary dysfunction show a higher prevalence of bowel disorders like constipation and soiling.
  • Conversely, children with bowel issues are more prone to urinary symptoms.
  • Failure to address bowel problems significantly decreases the success rate of treating urinary symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Integrated assessment and management of both urinary and bowel systems are essential in pediatric care.
  • Early detection and treatment of bowel disorders can improve outcomes for functional urinary tract disorders.
  • Childhood dysfunctional symptoms may serve as a risk factor for adult constipation and incontinence.

Related Concept Videos

Disorders of the Urinary System01:20

Disorders of the Urinary System

The urinary system is responsible for eliminating waste and excess fluids from the body. However, disorders of the urinary system can arise due to various reasons like infections, stress, age, congenital abnormalities, and lifestyle.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:26

Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

Renal calculi, commonly termed kidney stones, are crystalline solid masses that form in the kidneys but can occur at any point within the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.The pathophysiology of renal stones involves several key factors: supersaturation of the urine with stone-forming constituents, changes in urine pH, a decrease in urine volume, and the presence of substances that promote or inhibit stone formation.Supersaturation of Urine: This is the...
Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction01:26

Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are generally bacterial, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract. However, other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, are also known to cause UTIs. The type, location, and underlying complexity of the UTI guide both...
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...
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...