Question
A four-year-old child has recently experienced a decrease in bowel movements and a slight swelling in the abdomen. Parents are concerned about the potential dangers of the child holding in stool.
Answer
The habit of holding in stool may lead to constipation. Long-term constipation can cause excessive straining during bowel movements, leading to the protrusion of anal mucosa, obstructed venous return, and ultimately the formation of hemorrhoids. Additionally, hard stool can scratch the anal canal, causing ulcers and wounds, leading to anal fissures. Long-term accumulation of stool toxins can be reabsorbed into the liver, increasing the liver’s detoxification burden and potentially damaging liver function.