6. Altered Bowel Habits: The Unsettled Routine
Bowel habits can offer a window into a person’s digestive health. For children with rectal prolapse, these habits can undergo noticeable changes. Sometimes, it may manifest as bouts of constipation, where the child struggles to pass stools. At other times, they might experience diarrhea, with stools being loose and watery.
It’s not just about the consistency; even the frequency can shift. Some children might go to the toilet multiple times a day, while others might not have the urge for extended periods. These alterations can be perplexing, especially when there’s a sudden shift from one extreme to the other.
Now, it’s worth understanding the reason behind these changes. The protruding rectum can affect the regular muscular contractions responsible for pushing stools out. The irregular movement can lead to both constipation and diarrhea. Moreover, the inflammation and irritation can speed up or slow down these contractions.
The altered bowel habits are more than just a symptom. They also emphasize the discomfort and distress a child might be going through. It’s not just about the physical act of passing stools but also about the mental strain of an unpredictable routine. (6)
