Constipation and Bowel Management Program
Our nationally recognized clinical team in the Constipation and Bowel Movement Program will work with you and your child to explain a diagnosis and find solutions to chronic constipation.
Constipation is common among children of all ages, but it usually does not cause long-term health issues. It can diminish a child's quality of life, lead to emotional problems and create family stress. While constipation is rarely a sign of more serious health problems, its many causes can make it difficult to diagnose and treat. There is not one definition of constipation that applies to all children. Reduced frequency of stools, hard stools, pain with bowel movements and/or difficulty passing stools are possible symptoms.
Conditions We Treat
Meet Your Care Team
Sari A. AcraMD, MPH
- Esophageal Diseases, Functional Bowel Disorder, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Interventional Endoscopy, Nutrition, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Julia L. AndersonMD, MSCI
- Esophageal Diseases, Functional Bowel Disorder, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Interventional Endoscopy, Nutrition, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Catherine E. Arthur-JohnsonMD
- Esophageal Diseases, Functional Bowel Disorder, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Interventional Endoscopy, Nutrition, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Girish S. HiremathMBBS, MPH
- Esophageal Diseases, Functional Bowel Disorder, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Interventional Endoscopy, Nutrition, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Andres MartinezMD
- Esophageal Diseases, Gastroenterology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Interventional Endoscopy, Pancreatic Disease, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Maribeth R. NicholsonMD, MPH
- C. difficile/Dysbiosis, Esophageal Diseases, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Interventional Endoscopy, Nutrition, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Carly M. BhaveCRNP, MSN
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Pediatric Liver Transplant
Stacy L. HawkinsMSN, PNP
- Esophageal Diseases, Functional Bowel Disorder, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Nutrition, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Elizabeth P. KennedyMSN, PNP
- Esophageal Diseases, Functional Bowel Disorder, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Nutrition, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Lisa L. LachenmyerMSN, PNP
- Esophageal Diseases, Functional Bowel Disorder, Nutrition, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Jordan A. Trotter-BusingDNP, RN, CPNP
- Esophageal Diseases, Functional Bowel Disorder, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Nutrition, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Why Choose the Constipation and Bowel Management Program at Monroe Carell
- Specialized care
Each child is unique, so we perform a thorough medical history and physical exam to develop an individual treatment plan. We make referrals to other specialties as needed, such as nutrition and psychology, to address dietary and behavioral or emotional concerns related to this chronic problem. Many of these other services are located here at Monroe Carell.
- Coordination of care
Our multidisciplinary team of pediatric gastroenterology physicians, pediatric nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, nurses and child psychologists work together to provide the best possible care for your child. Your first visit will be a consultation and complete physical examination with the doctor or nurse practitioner. During this visit, we may draw blood for laboratory testing or send your child to have an X-ray. Any further tests are typically arranged for another day. Your child may eat a regular diet on the day of the first appointment.
