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Assessment, prevention and treatment of constipation in children

June Rogers1

  • 1Disabled Living, Manchester. june.rogers@disabledliving.co.uk

Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|June 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric constipation management requires addressing children's toileting fears. Effective treatment involves initial bowel emptying and appropriate laxative therapy, as outlined by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Childhood constipation is a common and challenging condition.
  • Children's fear of defecation and reluctance to use the toilet complicate management.
  • Effective treatment strategies are crucial for improving quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance on pediatric constipation.
  • To provide evidence-based recommendations for managing constipation in children and young people.
  • To highlight key components of successful constipation treatment in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guidelines.
  • Synthesis of recommendations regarding the assessment and management of constipation in children.
  • Focus on strategies for initial bowel emptying and ongoing laxative therapy.

Main Results:

  • NICE guidance emphasizes a stepwise approach to managing pediatric constipation.
  • Effective initial disimpaction is critical for successful treatment.
  • Appropriate and sustained laxative therapy is essential for maintaining bowel regularity.

Conclusions:

  • Adherence to NICE guidance can lead to successful management of constipation in children.
  • Addressing psychological barriers, such as toileting anxiety, is integral to treatment.
  • A comprehensive approach combining disimpaction, laxatives, and behavioral support is recommended.

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