The large intestine, or colon, has two basic functions: It absorbs water and electrolytes, and stores and eliminates stool. Children can suffer from several conditions that affect the large intestine. The symptoms for these conditions can vary, but in general they can cause pain, bleeding, abdominal bloating and diarrhea.
Constipation
Constipation is the inability or difficulty to pass stools for more than a 2-week period. Children with constipation usually have infrequent bowel movements with large, hard stools that are painful to pass. As a result of the pain, these children develop a fear or aversion to having bowel movements, resulting in withholding of stool and perpetuating the cycle. Inevitably, these children will have encopresis, or involuntary soiling or incontinence, especially if the constipation has lasted for a long time. Children with constipation have recurrent abdominal pain, bloating and problems with urination as the increased amount of stool in the large intestine interferes with voiding of urine. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, treatment includes initial decompression of the large intestine with enemas and stool softeners as well as long-term maintenance therapy with laxatives. These children often need psychological intervention to overcome their fear of moving their bowels.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the large intestine. Children with ulcerative colitis present with the initial symptoms of bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, decrease in growth, anemia and anorexia. Children with this condition can have other conditions associated with it, such as thyroid problems and arthritis. The diagnosis is made by examining the large intestine via colonoscopy, looking for the typical appearance of the colon's tissue in ulcerative colitis, and also by taking a biopsy of the tissue. Treatment can be surgical if the condition is limited to a segment of the intestine, or managed medically with anti-inflammatory medicines. Nutritional support and supplementation are also important in the long-term management of this disease.
Antibiotic-related Colitis
The frequent use of antibiotics in children has resulted in the increased prevalence of this condition. Children with antibiotic-related colitis exhibit diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain. The diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, such as low or high sodium. Also, prolonged diarrhea can result in malnutrition and poor growth. The most common cause of this condition is infection by a bacteria call Clostridium difficile. This bacterium inhabits the large intestine and its growth is kept in check by the other bacteria that normally grow in the colon. When a child takes antibiotics, these bacteria are killed, leaving the Clostridium difficile bug free to grow unchecked. When it does this, it secretes a toxin that causes the diarrhea.
