Complications
Constipation can lead to the development of peri-anal skin cracks.
Initially, using laxatives is likely to increase faecal incontinence, especially if evacuation of the impacted rectum is incomplete.
Stimulant laxatives or high-dose polyethylene glycol are likely to cause abdominal pain that is relieved by defecation, particularly if the rectum is still impacted with stools.
Overuse of polyethylene glycol, particularly if using high volumes without added electrolytes, may lead to excessive bowel fluid and electrolyte loss. This is especially a problem if parents or patients are using insufficient fluid to dissolve the powder.
With protracted childhood constipation and the subsequent chronic accumulation of hard masses of stool, there is considerable hypertrophy of the rectum and its muscle layers, which in turn leads to the rectum developing a larger and larger capacity (megarectum).
Lipoid pneumonia is a hazard of oral mineral oil use.[67] Mineral oil should be avoided in children with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux or a swallowing disability.
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