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Hypoxia and chest pain due to acute constipation: an underdiagnosed condition?
1Department of Pediatrics, Ziv Government Hospital, Safed, Israel. luder@tx.technion.ac.il
Insights
Severe constipation can cause acute respiratory distress in children. This case highlights how prompt treatment of constipation can lead to rapid recovery from severe symptoms like hypoxia and dyspnea.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Acute constipation is a common pediatric issue.
- Severe constipation can present with atypical symptoms.
- Respiratory distress is a rare but serious complication of constipation.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old obese boy presented with acute respiratory distress, hypoxia, dyspnea, and abdominal pain.
- Physical examination revealed abdominal distension, tenderness, and a rectum full of hard stool.
- The patient experienced a complete recovery after catharsis.
Findings:
- This case illustrates acute constipation as a cause of hypoxia and respiratory distress.
- Literature review confirms this association is recognized but rarely reported.
- The study suggests this phenomenon may be underdiagnosed.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider severe constipation in the differential diagnosis of pediatric respiratory distress.
- Prompt recognition and management of constipation can prevent severe complications.
- Increased awareness may improve diagnosis and treatment of similar cases in children.
Abstract:
An obese, previously healthy, 10-year-old boy presented with acute respiratory distress, chest, and abdominal pain. He was hypoxic and dyspneic in the emergency room. The abdomen was distended and tender, and the rectum was full of hard stool. Following catharsis, he made a complete recovery with resolution of all clinical signs. A review of the literature reveals that acute constipation as a cause of hypoxia and respiratory distress has been recognized, but has rarely been reported. We believe that this is a common phenomenon but probably infrequently recognized.