This image shows constipation in a young child as seen on X- ray. In order to correctly manage<unk>  it is important to accurately diagnose it. This can be done by a variety of methods, the most commonly used would be taking a clinical history and carrying out physical examinations which may include: abdominal, neurological and rectal examinations. Patients may use the Bristol Stool Chart to help them describe and characterise the morphological features of their stool, this is useful as it gives an indication of the transit time. An objective method used to evaluate the motility of the colon and help with diagnosis is the colon transit time. Another helpful test to diagnose this condition may be an abdominal X- ray as this can show the distribution of the faeces and show any abnormalities with the colon for example a megacolon. Methods used for diagnosis may vary depending on if the patient is incontinent or constipated
Neurogenic bowel dysfunction
Functional constipation
Obstructed defecation
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction
Sphincter paralysis
Rectal foreign body
Athletic incontinence
Rectal prolapse