The impact of constipation on the urinary tract system.

The rate of constipation and bowel disorders is underestimated in children and adolescence who suffer from functional urinary tract disorders like enuresis and incontinence. The alimentary and the urinary systems act with a close anatomical and functional relation, malfunctioning of either system will affect the other. Children and adolescents with urinary dysfunctional symptoms have a higher rate of bowel disorders, including constipation and soiling, and vice versa. Assessment and treatment should always include both systems. Failure to detect and treat bowel problems will greatly reduce the success rate in the treatment of urinary symptoms. Dysfunctional symptoms in childhood could be a risk factor for increased rate of constipation and incontinence in adolescence and adulthood. This paper describes the normal development of voiding and defecation control, the effect of bowel disorders on the urinary system, and offers advice concerning the assessment and management of these patients.