Constipation Awareness Month 2023: What Is The Link Between Constipation And UTI? Does It Affect Children? See What Experts Say

When a child is constipated and holds stool longer than normal, there is bacterial overgrowth which usually cause the UTI.

Know Link Between Constipation And UTI In Children

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There is a close relationship between the urinary system and the lower intestine (rectum) as both systems have a common origin during development, share a common nerve supply, and share the same area in the child’s pelvis. According to Dr. Anil M U, Consultant Pediatrician and Intensivist, SPARSH Hospital, Bangalore, "Constipation and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children can be interconnected. Constipation increases the risks of UTIs by 7-10 times."

How Constipation Affects The Urinary System:

Dr. Antony Robert Charles, who is a Consultant in pediatric Surgery & Pediatric Urology at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli, Bengaluru said, "When a child is constipated and holds stool longer than normal, there are two ways it affects the urinary system - one, there is bacterial overgrowth and it is these bacteria from the stool that usually cause the UTI. Secondly, when a lot of stool is sitting in the rectum, it reduces the ability of the bladder to empty the urine, and then UTI is caused by the stale urine in the bladder. It works both ways, and frequent UTIs can also alter the bowel habits of the child."

Factors And Prevention:

Dr. Shalini G Agasthi said that females have a higher incidence of UTIs. Even a single episode of UTI should be taken seriously and needs to be consulted and evaluated.

Factors:

Talking about the factors, Dr. Shalini said the following:

• Anatomical developmental abnormalities
• Decreased intake of adequate fluids (also cause for constipation).
• Delayed bladder evacuation particularly holding up in schools and colleges 
• Washing of genitals from back to front.
• Unhygienic washrooms, dirty water.

Preventive Measures:

Dr. Anil M U said, "Constipation may cause children to resist the urge to urinate, leading to infrequent voiding and increased UTI risk. The proximity of the rectum and urethra in young children also facilitates the spread of bacteria. Furthermore, constipation can disrupt the normal bacterial balance in the gut, potentially impacting the urinary tract. Addressing constipation through dietary changes, increased fluid intake, and establishing regular bowel habits can be crucial in preventing UTIs in children. Monitoring and managing both conditions play a pivotal role in promoting pediatric urinary health."

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]