Related Experiment Videos

Constipation in the Pediatric Emergency Department: Clinical Presentations, Diagnostic Context and Testing Patterns

Julia Leszkowicz1, Kinga Miaśkiewicz1, Marcin Wieczorek2

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Gastroenterology, Allergology & Paediatric Nutrition, Medical University of Gdańsk, Nowe Ogrody 1/6, 80-803 Gdańsk, Poland.

Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric constipation often presents with vague symptoms, complicating diagnosis in the pediatric emergency department (PED). Further investigation is needed to improve recognition and management of this common condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Constipation in children frequently exhibits non-specific symptoms, challenging accurate identification in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs).
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and to prevent potential complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the clinical presentations of children diagnosed with constipation in a tertiary pediatric emergency center.
  • To analyze the diagnostic context and patterns of testing for pediatric constipation cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical records for patients under 18 years old discharged with ICD-10 code K59.0 (constipation) from 2021-2024.
  • Collection and review of demographic data, presenting symptoms, and diagnostic tests performed.

Main Results:

  • Constipation diagnoses represented 2.97% of all visits to the pediatric emergency department.
  • Only 26.5% of patients reported constipation as their primary complaint; abdominal pain, vomiting, and urinary symptoms were more common.
  • Initial suspected diagnoses often included urinary tract infections or appendicitis.

Conclusions:

  • Constipation should be a routine consideration for children presenting with abdominal pain, vomiting, or urinary symptoms, even without primary bowel complaints.
  • Structured history-taking and diagnostic tools may aid in standardizing assessment and guiding further testing for pediatric constipation.

Keywords:
abdominal painconstipationdifferential diagnosisemergency departmentpediatric patients

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,...
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:
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy01:26

Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy

This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test01:30

Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test

Gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic studies are pivotal in confirming, ruling out, diagnosing, or staging various diseases, including cancers. Following diagnosis, allocating time for discussions with the patient and providing informational resources is crucial. Diagnostic assessments of the GI tract often occur in outpatient settings like endoscopy suites or GI labs. Preparation for these tests may include dietary restrictions, fasting, liquid bowel preparations, laxatives, enemas, and the...
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema01:23

Lower GI Series: Barium Enema

A Barium Enema, or a lower GI series, is a specialized radiographic examination designed to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon and rectum. This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...
Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy01:25

Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy

The colon, or large intestine, is the final segment of the digestive system. Its primary functions include absorbing water and vitamins produced by gut bacteria and transforming waste from liquid to solid to form stool. In adults, the large intestine is approximately 5 feet long and consists of four main sections: