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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Constipation in children.

Aruna Abhyankar¹, Iris Carcani-Rathwell, Graham Clayden

¹Guy's King's & St Thomas's; School of Medicine, Kings College, London, UK.

BMJ Clinical Evidence

|May 21, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This systematic review examines treatments for chronic constipation in children, including laxatives and behavioral therapies. It assesses effectiveness and safety to guide clinical practice for pediatric constipation management.

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Area of Science:

Pediatric Gastroenterology
Clinical Evidence Synthesis

Background:

Chronic constipation affects 1-5% of children in the UK and USA, often without clear causes.
A significant proportion of children with chronic constipation experience persistent issues into puberty.
Painful defecation and withholding behavior are common in children with chronic constipation and fecal impaction.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review the effects of treatments for chronic constipation in children.
To evaluate interventions for clearing the bowel in pediatric fecal impaction.

Main Methods:

Conducted a systematic literature review up to June 2005, searching major databases.
Included 15 systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies.
Utilized GRADE methodology to assess the quality of evidence for various interventions.

Main Results:

Identified and evaluated a range of interventions for pediatric constipation.
Assessed the effectiveness and safety of treatments based on available evidence.

Conclusions:

Presents information on the effectiveness and safety of multiple interventions.
Interventions reviewed include anal dilatation, behavioral treatments, laxatives (bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant), fiber, and oral fluids.