Management of functional constipation in children and adults

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pediatrics
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Functional constipation is a prevalent global condition affecting both children and adults.
• While sharing similarities, significant differences exist in epidemiology, symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment between pediatric and adult populations.
• Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the similarities and differences in functional constipation between children and adults.
• To outline current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for functional constipation in both age groups.
• To discuss management strategies for intractable functional constipation and emerging treatments.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological, symptomatic, pathophysiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of functional constipation in children and adults.
• Comparison of management strategies, including behavioral interventions, pharmacological therapy, and surgical options.
• Exploration of treatments for intractable functional constipation and novel therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

• Pediatric management emphasizes behavioral aspects like toilet training and laxatives.
• Adult management involves excluding secondary causes and differentiating subtypes (normal transit, slow transit, evacuation disorder).
• Intractable cases in both groups may necessitate advanced interventions, including surgery, with new drugs and surgical strategies showing promise.

Conclusions:

• Functional constipation requires tailored approaches based on age and subtype.
• Effective management of intractable functional constipation may involve stepwise interventions, including novel pharmacological and surgical options.
• Further research into new treatments could significantly improve outcomes for children and adults with severe functional constipation.