Bowel issues affect how often you poo and how easy or hard it is to go to the toilet. Problems like constipation or diarrhoea can happen to anyone and might be caused by what you eat, stress, or an infection.
-
Constipation: This happens when it’s hard to poo, or you don’t go to the toilet as often as usual. It can cause stomach pain or bloating.
-
Diarrhoea: When you have watery or loose poo and need to go to the toilet a lot. It’s often caused by an infection, stress, or certain foods.
-
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A condition that can involve a range of bowel issues, such as cramps, feelings of bloating, stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhoea. Symptoms are often worsened by specific foods.
-
Speak to your school nurse: They can give you advice on managing bowel issues and offer referral to the Enuresis team if required.
-
ERIC (The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity): Offers support for young people dealing with bowel issues. Home – ERIC.
-
NHS Guide to Constipation and Diarrhoea: Learn more about managing constipation and diarrhoea on the NHS website. Constipation – NHS.