What Is Dyschezia?

Overview

​​Dyschezia is a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) that is characterized by abdominal pain, constipation, and difficulty or painful defecation. The Rome IV criteria classify dyschezia as “functional constipation in the presence of abdominal pain”. It can affect infants, children, and adults. Dyschezia is a common condition.¹

Dyschezia, also known as functional constipation, is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent and difficult bowel movements. It is caused by a variety of factors, including changes in diet, inadequate water intake, and lack of physical activity. It is also associated with a range of medical conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and neurological disorders. Furthermore, psychological and emotional factors, such as stress and depression, can also contribute to the development of dyschezia. The condition is also associated with certain medications, such as iron supplements and opioids, as well as diseases of the rectum and colon, such as diverticulitis and colorectal cancer.² 

Causes of dyschezia

The exact cause of dyschezia is not known; however, there are several factors that may contribute to its development. These include:

• Infant dyschezia occurs in infants when they have trouble passing stool due to their immature digestive system
• Functional constipation: caused by the slow movement of stool through the digestive tract
• Endometriosis: causes pain in the abdomen and may also contribute to dyschezia 
• Abdominal pain may be caused by inflammation or other medical conditions that can lead to dyschezia
• Pelvic floor dysfunction: can cause difficulty in passing stool due to muscle spasms in the rectum
• Mental health conditions: conditions such as anxiety and depression can also contribute to dyschezia
• IBS(irritable bowel syndrome) can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation, which can lead to dyschezia

Signs and symptoms of dyschezia

​​Some of the signs and symptoms of dyschezia that you might experience are

• Pain when passing stools 
• Straining to pass stools 
• Obstructed defecation

Some of the signs noticed in infants are: 

• Straining to pass stools 
• Face of the child turning red or purple while making an effort to pass stools
• Crying, screaming, or grunting
• Squirming or kicking feet

Symptoms in infants usually persist for 10 - 20 minutes but can last longer.

It is important to note that some signs and symptoms of dyschezia can be indicative of other medical conditions. If you experience any signs or symptoms for more than three weeks, it is best to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes. By diagnosing the root cause of dyschezia, it is possible to form an effective treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes or medications.

Diagnosis of dyschezia

To diagnose dyschezia, your healthcare provider will your detailed medical history as well as perform a physical examination. Your healthcare provider might order certain tests such as blood tests, stool tests, and urine tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of dyschezia. A bowel function test might be required to check the movement of stool within the child’s colon. In some cases, imagining tests like X-rays, ultrasound, or CT Scans might be required to visually check for the cause. 

Management and treatment for dyschezia

The management and treatment for dyschezia will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Some of the treatments that may be recommended include medications, physical therapy, biofeedback and sometimes surgery. There’s no treatment for infant dyschezia, and paediatricians don’t advise interfering as stimulating the rectum might delay the infant's learning process and make it dependent on stimulation to pass stool.  

Other factors that may contribute to dyschezia include a poor diet, inadequate water consumption, lack of physical activity, and using medications such as pain relievers or antibiotics. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as stress management and increasing fibre intake can help alleviate symptoms of dyschezia. 

FAQs

How can I prevent dyschezia?

​​There are several steps you can take to help prevent dyschezia from developing. These include breastfeeding your baby if possible, making dietary changes such as increasing fibre intake and water intake, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and avoiding long periods of sitting or lying down after meals.

Who is at risk of dyschezia?

Infants and children are at higher risk for developing dyschezia due to their immature digestive systems. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions such as idiopathic constipation, chronic constipation, chronic pain, endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, mental health conditions, and irritable bowel syndrome are at higher risk for developing dyschezia.

How common is dyschezia?

Dyschezia is a common condition, especially among infants and children, due to their immature digestive systems. It is also more common in people with certain medical conditions such as idiopathic constipation, chronic constipation, chronic pain, endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, mental health conditions, and irritable bowel syndrome.

When should I see a doctor?

It is important to see a doctor if you or your child exhibits signs or symptoms of dyschezia, such as infant constipation (less than one stool per day), soft poop (mushy or pudding-like consistency), or functional gastrointestinal disorders (abdominal pain or bloating). If these symptoms persist despite self-care measures such as increasing fibre intake and drinking more water, then it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Summary

Dyschezia is a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) that is characterized by abdominal pain, constipation, and difficulty or painful defecation. It can affect infants, children, and adults and is often caused by underlying conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, mental health conditions, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). To diagnose dyschezia, your doctor will conduct physical exams as well as perform certain tests like blood tests, image tests, and bowel function tests. Treatment for dyschezia depends on the underlying cause but may include medications, physical therapy, biofeedback and sometimes surgery. There’s no treatment for infant dyschezia, and paediatricians don’t advise interfering as stimulating the rectum. To help prevent dyschezia from developing, it is important to breastfeed your baby if possible and make dietary changes such as increasing fibre intake and water intake, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and avoiding long periods of sitting or lying down after meals. If you or your child exhibit signs or symptoms of dyschezia, then it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.