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Diagnosis and treatment of constipation in children

A Staiano1, A Tozzi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|November 18, 1998
PubMed

Insights

This review covers recent advances in understanding and treating constipation in the past year. It details new diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies for pediatric functional and organic constipation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Constipation is a common pediatric issue with significant impact.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology of functional and organic constipation is crucial.
  • Advances in diagnosis and treatment are continually emerging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review significant progress in constipation treatment over the last year.
  • To highlight advances in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric constipation.
  • To present new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for pediatric constipation and fecal incontinence.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent publications on pediatric constipation.
  • Synthesis of information on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis.
  • Illustration of recent therapeutic strategies and their potential impact.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress in understanding the pathophysiology of idiopathic chronic constipation and Hirschsprung's disease.
  • Introduction of new diagnostic methods with potential for children.
  • Updated therapeutic approaches for pediatric constipation and fecal incontinence.

Conclusions:

  • The past year has seen notable advancements in pediatric constipation management.
  • New diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies offer improved patient outcomes.
  • Continued research is vital for addressing the complexities of pediatric constipation.

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