A new study, published in the journal Pediatrics, has found that many kids who suffer from constipation may continue to have the problem into adulthood.

According to Reuters, researchers studied more than 400 children who were diagnosed with and treated for chronic constipation during the 1990s. Each received six to eight weeks of intensive treatments, including medication and behavioral therapy, and were surveyed yearly to determine their long-term progress.

After 11 years, they found one-quarter of the study participants were still suffering from symptoms of constipation as young adults, including fewer than three bowel movements per week and bouts of incontinence.

The findings of the study indicate much higher percentages of constipated individuals than studies have found among adults in the general population.

Researchers say that constipation problems starting later in childhood, and longer gaps between a child’s first symptoms and treatment referral may affect whether the condition persists.

Treatment for constipation usually includes diet changes, including eating more fiber, as well as the use of stool softeners and laxatives. Herbs and nutritional supplements believed to help relieve constipation include aloe, dandelion, dong quai, fiber, flaxseed, grape seed and psyllium.