Constipation in Pediatrics: A Clinical Review

Pediatric Annals
|August 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Functional constipation is common in children, often starting in toddlerhood due to withholding or poor toilet habits. Treatment involves education, diet, and medication for effective management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Child Health
  • Digestive Health

Background:

  • Constipation is a frequent pediatric issue.
  • Functional constipation (FC) often originates in toddlerhood.
  • Behavioral factors like stool withholding are common in FC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the causes and management of functional constipation in children.
  • To differentiate functional constipation from organic causes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of common causes of pediatric constipation.
  • Discussion of diagnostic approaches including laboratory tests and imaging for organic causes.
  • Outline of treatment strategies for functional constipation.

Main Results:

  • Most pediatric constipation is functional, linked to infrequent or incomplete stool evacuation.
  • Inadequate fluid/fiber intake and excessive dairy/carbohydrates can contribute to FC.
  • A small percentage of cases indicate underlying organic disease.

Conclusions:

  • Functional constipation requires family education on the condition's nature.
  • Management involves dietary adjustments (fiber, fluids), stool softeners, laxatives, and behavioral modifications.
  • Distinguishing FC from organic constipation is crucial for appropriate treatment.

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
532
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
39
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
406
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
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...
574
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
46
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable 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:
392