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Constipation

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Pediatric Neurogastroenterology

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

Abstract

Functional constipation is common in childhood and is defined by the presence of at least 2 of 6 criteria: stool frequency <3/week, hardness, large size, fecal incontinence, volitional stool withholding, and stool retention. The symptom must be present for 1 month in infants and toddlers and 2 months in children and adolescents. It can be accompanied by fecal incontinence, abdominal or rectal pain, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, distress to children and families, and affects all aspects of the child’s development. Organic causes of constipation are ruled out by history and physical examination, and if necessary, by laboratory tests, anorectal manometry, barium enema, and rectal biopsy. Treatment of functional constipation requires a combination of parent and patient education, nutritional intervention, behavioral intervention, pharmacotherapy, close follow-up, and long-term compliance with the treatment regimen. The choice of laxative to achieve 1–2 bowel movements daily is less important than the use of an adequate dose.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatrics Department, General Pediatric Division, University of Iowa, Beldon Avenue, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA

    Vera Loening-Baucke M.D.

  2. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie and Endokrinologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany

    Vera Loening-Baucke M.D. & Alexander Swidsinski M.D., Ph.D

Authors
  1. Vera Loening-Baucke M.D.
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  2. Alexander Swidsinski M.D., Ph.D
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Correspondence to Vera Loening-Baucke M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sainte-Justine Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3T 1C5, Québec, Canada

    Christophe Faure

  2. Nationwide Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, 43205, Ohio, USA

    Carlo Di Lorenzo

  3. Gastroenterology and Neural Development, University College London, Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom

    Nikhil Thapar

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Loening-Baucke, V., Swidsinski, A. (2013). Constipation. In: Faure, C., Di Lorenzo, C., Thapar, N. (eds) Pediatric Neurogastroenterology. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-709-9_39

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-709-9_39

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