Editing Functional constipation (section)

== Signs and symptoms ==
Individuals suffering from functional constipation often exhibit hard or lumpy stools, decreased frequency of [[Bowel movement|bowel movements]], a feeling of incomplete evacuation or obstruction, straining, and in some cases, [[Abdominal pain|stomach pain]] and [[bloating]].<ref name="Bowel Disorders">{{cite journal | last1=Lacy | first1=Brian E. | last2=Mearin | first2=Fermín | last3=Chang | first3=Lin | last4=Chey | first4=William D. | last5=Lembo | first5=Anthony J. | last6=Simren | first6=Magnus | last7=Spiller | first7=Robin | title=Bowel Disorders | journal=Gastroenterology | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=150 | issue=6 | year=2016 | issn=0016-5085 | doi=10.1053/j.gastro.2016.02.031 | pages=1393–1407.e5 | pmid=27144627 | url=https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5070613 | access-date=2024-06-30 | archive-date=2022-11-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114162208/https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5070613 | url-status=live }}</ref> Generally speaking, symptoms are considered chronic if they have persisted for three months or more.<ref name="Black 2018">{{cite journal | last1=Black | first1=Christopher J | last2=Ford | first2=Alexander C | title=Chronic idiopathic constipation in adults: epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and clinical management | journal=Medical Journal of Australia | volume=209 | issue=2 | date=2018 | issn=0025-729X | doi=10.5694/mja18.00241 | pages=86–91 | pmid=29996755 | url=http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/133854/3/MJA_Narrative_Review_Final.pdf | access-date=2024-06-30 | archive-date=2020-05-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505082108/http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/133854/3/MJA_Narrative_Review_Final.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Fecal incontinence|Faecal incontinence]], which is the involuntary loss of stools in the underwear during toilet training and is brought on by an overflow of soft stools passing around a solid faecal mass in the [[rectum]] ([[Fecal impaction|faecal impaction]]), is a common symptom in children.<ref name="Bowel Habits">{{cite journal | last1=Wald | first1=Ellen R | last2=Di Lorenzo | first2=Carlo | last3=Cipriani | first3=Lynne | last4=Colborn | first4=D Kathleen | last5=Burgers | first5=Rosa | last6=Wald | first6=Arnold | title=Bowel Habits and Toilet Training in a Diverse Population of Children | journal=Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition | publisher=Wiley | volume=48 | issue=3 | year=2009 | issn=0277-2116 | doi=10.1097/mpg.0b013e31817efbf7 | pages=294–298| pmid=19274784 }}</ref> Urinary symptoms, including [[Urinary incontinence|urine incontinence]] and [[Urinary tract infection|urinary tract infections]], are frequently observed in children who suffer from functional constipation.<ref name="h780">{{cite journal | last1=Burgers | first1=Rosa E. | last2=Mugie | first2=Suzanne M. | last3=Chase | first3=Janet | last4=Cooper | first4=Christopher S. | last5=von Gontard | first5=Alexander | last6=Rittig | first6=Charlotte Siggaard | last7=Homsy | first7=Yves | last8=Bauer | first8=Stuart B. | last9=Benninga | first9=Marc A. | title=Management of Functional Constipation in Children with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Report from the Standardization Committee of the International Children's Continence Society | journal=Journal of Urology | publisher=Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) | volume=190 | issue=1 | year=2013 | issn=0022-5347 | doi=10.1016/j.juro.2013.01.001 | pages=29–36| pmid=23313210 }}</ref>