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The colon and rectum are the last parts of the body’s digestive system. The colon’s function is to absorb fluids and process waste products before the waste products are eliminated from the body through the rectum.
Like adults, children can experience colorectal problems. These problems may be temporary or chronic. Symptoms may appear shortly after a child is born or develop as a child grows.
Common symptoms of colorectal problems in children may include the following:
Intermountain Healthcare provides comprehensive care for children with routine and complex colorectal conditions. These conditions include:
Diarrhea and constipation are common in infants and children. In most cases, these conditions get better on their own, but they may also be symptoms of a problem with the colon. Be sure to tell your child’s doctor about any changes in your child’s bowel habits. If you notice blood in your child’s stool, contact your child’s doctor right away. This may be a symptom of a serious medical problem that requires immediate treatment.
To diagnose colorectal problems, your child’s doctor will ask about their medical history and do a physical exam. The doctor will ask you about your child’s bowel habits, such as how often they have a bowel movement (poop). Depending on your child’s symptoms, your doctor may order some tests. These tests may include the following:
If your child’s doctor suspects a colorectal problem, they will likely refer you to a pediatric gastroenterologist [gas-troh-en-tuh-rol-uh-jist]. A pediatric gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders in children and adolescents.