Laxatives and nappies: how schools are coping with constipation in pupils

NHS figures for England show a 60% rise in hospital diagnoses of constipation in primary schoolchildren in the past decade. Photograph: Barry Batchelor/PA

Laxatives in the school medical cabinet, nappies in case of accidents, and hospital admissions for the most severe cases are being reported by teachers in England, suggesting that constipation is an increasing problem for their pupils.

While constipation is known to be a common problem in children, teachers say they are being asked to administer more laxatives like Movicol which have been prescribed by GPs to their pupils. In the most concerning cases it can lead to surgery, while in others school avoidance, because of embarrassment and discomfort.