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[Chronic constipation]
Alejandra Torres1, Mónica González2
1Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
Insights
Infant constipation affects nearly 9% of children, often stemming from functional causes. Treatment involves diet, education, and medication, but relapses are common, with some children experiencing symptoms into adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Infant constipation is a prevalent issue in pediatric consultations, accounting for approximately 25% of visits.
- The condition affects an average of 8.9% of the pediatric population, with prevalence varying due to dietary factors and differing definitions.
- Functional causes underlie 90-95% of infant constipation cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the key aspects of infant constipation, including its prevalence, causes, and management strategies.
- To highlight the importance of parental education and long-term management due to frequent relapses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical practices concerning infant constipation.
- Analysis of therapeutic measures, including dietary modifications, behavioral interventions, and pharmacological approaches.
Main Results:
- Functional constipation is the predominant cause in pediatric cases.
- Effective management relies on education, establishing bowel habits, fiber-rich diets, and pharmacotherapy for disimpaction and maintenance.
- Treatment duration is often prolonged, with a significant rate of symptom recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Infant constipation requires a comprehensive, long-term management approach.
- A substantial percentage of affected children (25%) may experience persistent symptoms into adulthood.
- Early and consistent intervention is crucial for managing functional constipation in infants and children.
Abstract:
Infant constipation is a common problem in pediatric practice and it constitutes approximately 25% of children's gastroenterologist consultations. An average prevalence of 8.9% in the pediatric population is described, but it varies as it is influenced by different dietary habits and definitions used in the studied populations. 90 to 95% of the cases have a functional cause, where the most important therapeutic measures are: Education to children and their parents, forming a stool pattern, a diet rich in fiber and the use of drugs for disimpaction treatment and maintenance. Finally, it is important to explain to parents that the treatment is usually long, due to frequent relapses. It is described that 25% of affected children will continue with symptoms into adulthood.
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