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Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

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Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

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

Published on: August 18, 2023

Childhood constipation: evaluation and management.

Dinesh S Pashankar1

  • 1Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. dinesh.pashankar@yale.edu

Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery
|December 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Childhood constipation, often functional, requires a team approach for effective management. Treatment includes education, disimpaction, laxatives like polyethylene glycol 3350, and behavioral changes for long-term success.

Keywords:
Constipationchildrenencopresislaxatives

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

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:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Child Health

Background:

  • Constipation is a prevalent and persistent issue in children, frequently functional.
  • Functional constipation accounts for approximately 95% of childhood cases, lacking an identifiable organic cause.
  • Hirschsprung's disease is a critical differential diagnosis in infants requiring prompt evaluation and surgical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the evaluation and management strategies for childhood constipation.
  • To emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treating functional constipation.
  • To review established and novel therapeutic options for pediatric constipation.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive history and physical examination are essential for diagnosis.
  • Diagnostic evaluation is crucial for identifying conditions like Hirschsprung's disease.
  • Treatment plans integrate family education, fecal disimpaction, laxative therapy, and behavioral modification.

Main Results:

  • Functional constipation management necessitates a structured plan involving the child, parents, and healthcare providers.
  • Established laxatives (magnesium hydroxide, lactulose, mineral oil) and newer agents like polyethylene glycol 3350 are effective.
  • Novel interventions are being explored for intractable cases unresponsive to standard treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of childhood constipation hinges on a coordinated, long-term strategy.
  • Education, disimpaction, appropriate laxative use, and behavioral interventions are key components.
  • Ongoing research into novel therapies addresses challenges in refractory pediatric constipation.