A young child endured severe constipation leading to organ compression and agonizing cries. Elissa Novak recounted her son Ivan’s distressing battle with constant vomiting, weight loss, and unbearable discomfort, revealing that a significant portion of his body weight was impacted by stool.
Recent NHS data highlights a concerning trend with over 44,000 children under 16 admitted to hospitals for constipation in the past year, marking a decade-high figure. Ivan, now five, faced a turbulent toddlerhood replete with repeated hospitalizations totaling 25 in just six months during 2022.
Elissa, a 35-year-old mother from Nuneaton, described the harrowing ordeal of witnessing her son’s frailty and suffering as he struggled with excruciating pain. She diligently sought medical guidance, but the lack of local incontinence services necessitated frequent visits to the emergency department.
Eventually, the root cause of Ivan’s distress was identified as severe constipation, a condition that, if left untreated, could have had fatal consequences. Medical professionals confirmed extensive damage to his colon, with his stomach and organs severely impacted by the pressure.
Moreover, Ivan’s cognitive challenges, attributed to a genetic condition, possibly contributed to delayed diagnosis due to misconceptions about pain expression in disabled children. Elissa criticized the initial lack of serious consideration for his symptoms until reaching a critical state, deeming it a regrettable oversight.
The charity Bladder and Bowel UK reported an alarming prevalence of childhood constipation affecting around 1.5 million children in the UK, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this overlooked issue. Despite societal discomfort in discussing bodily functions, healthcare experts stress the importance of recognizing and addressing these concerns, especially as children return to school.
In conclusion, the distressing experience faced by Ivan and his family sheds light on the critical need for improved awareness and proactive management of childhood constipation to prevent such traumatic episodes in the future.
