InteliHealth on Digestive Diseases • Harmful Effects Of Medicines On The Adult Digestive System Many medicines taken by mouth may affect the digestive system. These medicines include prescription (those ordered by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist) and nonprescription or over-the-counter (OTC) products. • Constipation in Children Constipation means that bowel movements are hard and dry, difficult or painful to pass, and less frequent than usual. It is a common problem for children, but it is usually temporary and no cause for parents to be concerned. • Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children In children, IBS tends to be either diarrhea-predominant or pain-predominant. Diarrhea-predominant IBS is most common in children under age 3. • Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Primary biliary cirrhosis is a liver disease that slowly destroys the bile ducts in the liver. • Digestive Diseases Statistics Summary fact sheet on digestive diseases statistics. • Resources: Digestive Diseases Contact information on a host of organizations that provide free information. • Infammatory Bowel Disease Learn about ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and more.