A fecal impaction occurs when feces collects at the bottom of the long intestine and rectum. The feces or stool will harden at this critical juncture in the bowels and cause a blockage. Initially, this will cause cramping and some discomfort in the rectum. Abdominal pain and constipation become linked when feces begins to pile up behind the fecal impaction, causing pressure to build.
So why does childhood constipation occur when all the child has to do is have a bowel movement? It is not uncommon for children to be shy and nervous about using a public toilet in a school bathroom. Most kids would rather “hold it” until they get home than face possible embarrassment at the hands of other students.
One of the most traumatic rites of passage for any child is potty training. For the first time, children must wait to have bowel movements or urinate. The sudden attention on what used to be a perfectly natural function is sometimes too much stress for children to bear. Child constipation arises out of potty training when the child withholds bowel movements due to stress and too much attention.
