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Published on: December 14, 2020

Recurrent vomiting and persistent gastroesophageal reflux caused by unrecognized constipation

Stephen M Borowitz1, James L Sutphen

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.

Clinical Pediatrics
|June 23, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Unrecognized constipation in children can cause chronic upper gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and abdominal pain. Treating constipation often leads to rapid and complete symptom resolution in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Child Health
  • Digestive Disorders

Background:

  • Chronic upper gastrointestinal symptoms are common in children.
  • Constipation is a prevalent condition in childhood.
  • The link between constipation and upper GI symptoms is often overlooked.

Observation:

  • 34 children with chronic upper GI symptoms were referred to pediatric gastroenterology.
  • Symptoms included recurrent vomiting, nausea, reflux, and abdominal pain.
  • These symptoms resolved completely after treating unrecognized constipation.

Findings:

  • The average age of presentation was 8.24 years.
  • Upper GI symptoms had a mean duration of 15.6 months.
  • Constipation was the underlying cause for upper GI distress in these pediatric cases.

Implications:

  • Pediatricians should consider constipation in the differential diagnosis of chronic upper GI symptoms.
  • Early identification and treatment of constipation may prevent prolonged GI distress.
  • This highlights the importance of a thorough bowel assessment in pediatric GI evaluations.

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