Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
Published on: July 5, 2024
Normal Bowel Pattern in Children and Dietary and Other Precipitating Factors in Functional Constipation
Balamma Sujatha1, Dhakshyani Raghavan Velayutham2, Nirmala Deivamani3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha University , Thandalam, Chennai, India .
Insights
Functional constipation affects 13.5% of children, particularly those aged 2-4 years and females. Key contributing factors include skipping breakfast, early toilet training, and low fruit/vegetable intake.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Constipation is a common pediatric issue with significant underdiagnosis in older populations.
- Understanding bowel patterns and contributing factors in children is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bowel patterns of children in the general population and those with functional constipation.
- To examine the influence of dietary habits and psychosocial aspects of toileting on pediatric constipation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective descriptive study involving two groups: functional constipation (n=131) and normal bowel pattern (n=523) children aged 2-12 years.
- Data collection included demographic profiles, socioeconomic status, psychosocial factors, diet, and weekly stool frequency/type using the Bristol Stool Chart.
- Children with functional constipation met ROME III criteria.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of functional constipation was found to be 13.5%, with a higher incidence in females and children aged 2-4 years.
- Analysis revealed significant associations between functional constipation and psychosocial factors.
- Dietary habits such as skipping breakfast and low intake of fruits and vegetables were also significant contributing factors.
Conclusions:
- Functional constipation is an under-recognized pediatric problem, influenced by psychosocial elements.
- Early toilet training, dietary patterns (low fruit/vegetable intake, skipped breakfast), and psychosocial factors are significant contributors to pediatric constipation.
Aim:
To study the bowel pattern of children in general population and children with habit constipation with respect to food habits and regarding psychosocial aspect of toileting.
Materials And Methods:
A prospective descriptive study was done in the Institute of child health and hospital for children, Chennai, with two groups, Functional constipation group and Normal bowel pattern group. The functional group included the children with the age group of 2-12 years, of either sex who fulfilled the ROME III criteria for constipation. Normal bowel pattern group had school children of age group 6-12 years of age and 2-5-year-old children attending OPD for minor ailments. The demographic profile, socioeconomic status, complaints, psychosocial aspects affecting bowel pattern and diet chart were collected and recorded from the parents in proforma. Stool frequency and type of stool passed were recorded for a week, with Bristol stool chart.
Results:
A total of 523 and 131 children were analysed for normal bowel pattern and functional constipation respectively. Data analysis done using SPSS version 15. The prevalence of functional constipation was noted in 13.5% with female preponderance and in the age group of 2-4 years.
Conclusion:
Constipation continues to be a problem, mostly under recognised in older population. Psychosocial factors had a significant effect on functional constipation. Skipping breakfast, early toilet training, low intake of vegetables and fruits were other factors of significance leading to constipation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...