Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 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

Coexistence of constipation and incontinence in children and adults

S Nurko1, S M Scott

  • 1Center for Motility and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States. samuel.nurko@childrens.harvard.edu

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|March 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Constipation and fecal incontinence often coexist in adults, though this is underrecognized. Treating constipation typically improves incontinence, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying bowel issues.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Urology
  • Pelvic Floor Health

Background:

  • Constipation and fecal incontinence frequently coexist in pediatric and geriatric populations.
  • This comorbidity is significantly underappreciated in the general adult population.
  • Functional fecal incontinence in children is often linked to constipation, stool retention, and urinary incontinence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of coexistent constipation and incontinence in children and adults.
  • To examine the clinical presentation and treatment response in pediatric cases.
  • To increase awareness of this common comorbidity in adults.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on constipation and fecal incontinence.
  • Analysis of pathophysiology, including overflow and pelvic floor dysfunction.
  • Synthesis of data on pediatric and adult populations.

Main Results:

  • Incontinence significantly impacts quality of life and daily functioning.
  • In children, incontinence can be associated with behavioral issues.
  • Pathophysiology involves overflow, and in adults, potentially pelvic floor dysfunction and denervation.

Conclusions:

  • Treating underlying constipation is key to improving fecal incontinence.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand adult pathophysiology.
  • Increased recognition and management of this comorbidity are essential.

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...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
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...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD: