RT Book, Section
A1 Phatak, Uma Padhye
A1 Pashankar, Dinesh S.
A2 Bishop, Warren P.
SR Print(0)
ID 55944519
T1 Chapter 5. Constipation
T2 Pediatric Practice: Gastroenterology
YR 2010
FD 2010
PB The McGraw-Hill Companies
PP New York, NY
SN 978-0-07-163379-6
LK accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=55944519
RD 2024/04/24
AB Constipation  is  a  common  problem  in  childhood  and  is  one  of  the  most  frequent  reasons  for  a  referral  to  pediatricians.  It  is  termed  functional  or  idiopathic  in  the  absence  of  any  organic  etiology.  Almost  95%  of  childhood  constipation  is  functional  in  nature  and  only  a  small  minority  is  due  to  an  identifiable  etiology.  The  diagnosis  of  functional  constipation  can  usually  be  made  with  a  detailed  history  and  physical  examination.  Constipation  can  often  be  a  chronic  problem  in  children  lasting  for  several  months  to  years.  Almost  50%  of  the  patients  presenting  with  constipation  during  childhood  can  remain  constipated  on  long-term  follow-up.  Long-standing  constipation  and  withholding  often  result  into  fecal  incontinence.  Constipation  and  incontinence  can  lead  to  low  self-esteem  and  behavior  problems,  causing  significant  stress  and  anxiety  to  the  patient  and  the  parents.  The  therapeutic  approach  involves  patient  education,  disimpaction,  laxative  therapy,  and  behavioral  modification.  The  treatment  typically  lasts  for  months  to  years  and  relapses  are  common.  A  successful  treatment  outcome  requires  a  team  approach  involving  the  patient,  family,  nurses,  pediatricians,  and  the  specialists.  In  this  chapter,  we  will  review  the  diagnostic  evaluation  and  therapeutic  approach  to  functional  constipation.