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Most children don't have anything physically wrong with them, and their bowels are perfectly normal. (See box below for common causes). Once the child has had one experience of a painful poo they then often start holding on to their stools because they are frightened it will hurt.
Sometimes your child can hold on too long because:- They feel embarrassed to use a public toilet
- Because the one available is dirty, uncomfortable or is not private (e.g. at school)
- Because they don't want to stop whatever they are doing (e.g. a game)
Causes of constipation
Holding on too long – painful poo
Insufficient fibre in diet
Inadequate fluid intake
Lack of exercise
Environmental issues – i.e. lack of private/hygienic toilet facilities
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