Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026
Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
Published on: July 5, 2024
Childhood constipation: recognition, management and the role of the nurse
James Schuster Bruce1, Catherine Schuster Bruce2, Hayley Short3
1Fifth year medical student, University of Bristol.
Insights
Childhood constipation is common and often undetected. Early recognition and management, particularly by nurses, are crucial for better outcomes, with polyethylene glycol 3350 recommended as a first-line treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Nursing
Background:
- Childhood constipation is a prevalent condition encountered across various healthcare settings.
- Idiopathic constipation represents the majority of cases, often under-recognized due to societal factors and parental concerns.
- The 'tip of the iceberg' phenomenon highlights the significant number of undetected cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of prompt evaluation and management of childhood constipation.
- To highlight the role of healthcare professionals, especially nurses, in early detection and intervention.
- To outline current evidence-based recommendations for managing childhood constipation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical guidelines on childhood constipation.
- Emphasis on symptom recognition, including exclusion of 'red flag' symptoms for organic causes.
- Discussion of the role of nurses in early detection and management.
Main Results:
- Prompt evaluation and management are associated with improved outcomes.
- Early symptom recognition and differentiation from organic causes are essential for appropriate treatment.
- Nurses are well-positioned to play a vital role in early detection and management.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of childhood constipation requires timely recognition and intervention.
- Polyethylene glycol 3350 is the recommended first-line pharmacological treatment based on evidence-based guidelines.
- Supportive measures, including dietary and lifestyle modifications, are integral to constipation management.
Abstract:
Constipation is a common childhood condition that health professionals will encounter in many different settings. The majority of these cases of childhood constipation are idiopathic in nature. It is considered to exhibit the 'tip of the iceberg' phenomenon as a large number of cases remain undetected due to under-recognition by families, embarrassment regarding the condition, fear of receiving a negative response from health professionals, or parental belief there is actually something more seriously wrong and failure to accept the diagnosis. Prompt evaluation and management is likely to be associated with better outcomes. To ensure this, fast recognition of symptoms, with care taken to exclude any 'red flag' symptoms that could indicate an organic cause and subsequently a different treatment pathway, is essential. Nurses, given their regular contact with families in different settings, are suitably placed to detect these symptoms early and can play a vital role in successful management of the condition. Laxatives are the first line in management of constipation. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is the laxative that evidence-based guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2010) recommend as the initial pharmacological management. Advice should also be given about supportive measures, including diet and lifestyle changes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
01:25Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
01:30Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...