Complications

Constipation can have psychological consequences

A constipated person feels bloated, sluggish and irritable.
The activities of a constipated child are also suboptimal and they have a low appetite.
The fecal soiling of underwear gives a feeling of low esteem to these children.

The physical complications of persistent constipation are

Constant straining while passing stools can lead to development of haemorroids (piles) and later on, rectal bleeding.
Straining over prolonged periods can cause protrusion of intestines through weaker areas of abdominal muscles leading to formation of hernia.
A hard stool can peel off a portion of intestinal lining during its passage. This can cause bleeding and excruciating pain while passing stools. This painful condition is known as ‘anal fissure’ and takes a long time to heal.
Rarely, the hard stools can get impacted and cause features of intestinal obstruction. These include, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain and failure to even pass gas.
Urinary tract infections (a loaded colon can be a cause of ineffective voiding of urine. The urinary stasis in turn, can lead to urinary infections).
Poor growth in children is due to decreased appetite.
Indigestion is due to excessive gas formation and obstruction to flow of intestinal contents.

Treatment of complications

All these complications make the visit to the attending physician/surgeon mandatory

Fecal impaction might require glycerine/peroxide enema (already described) or digital manual removal of hard stools by the surgeon.
Anal fissure needs treatment with regime of Sitz bath / Hip bath (providing hot fomentation to the damaged mucosa), use of lubricating anesthetic gel and stool softening agents.
Piles and hernia also need surgical treatment.