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[Constipation in children]

B Le Luyer1, M Ménard

  • 1Département de pédiatrie, Hôpital général, Le Havre.

La Revue Du Praticien
|October 22, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Childhood constipation, often missed, presents as pain or fecalith-related pseudo-diarrhea. Treatment focuses on diet, laxatives, and for older children, biofeedback therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Childhood constipation is frequently underdiagnosed.
  • Symptoms include abdominal pain and pseudo-diarrhea due to fecal impaction.
  • Complications can involve urinary tract infections and enuresis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnosis and management of childhood constipation.
  • To emphasize non-invasive diagnostic approaches when general condition is stable.
  • To detail therapeutic strategies including lifestyle, medical, and behavioral interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical observation and diagnosis based on presenting symptoms.
  • Assessment of colonic propulsive and rectal reservoir functions.
  • Treatment guided by severity and patient age.

Main Results:

  • Constipation often presents with pain and pseudo-diarrhea.
  • Urinary tract infections and enuresis can be associated.
  • No further investigations are needed if the child's general condition is good.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood constipation requires prompt recognition and management.
  • Treatment involves dietary changes, laxatives, and potentially enemas/suppositories.
  • Biofeedback is a valuable option for children over 8 with refractory constipation.

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