Constipation resident survival guide (pediatrics)

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Constipation resident survival guide (pediatrics) Microchapters
Overview
Causes
FIRE
Diagnosis
Treatment
Do's
Don'ts

Overview

Constipation occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract, causing the stool to become hard and dry.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions that may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.

• Atropine poisoning
• Hypokalemia
• Lead poisoning
• Opium poisoning
• Severe dehydration
• Spinal cord injury
• Superior mesenteric artery occlusion

Common Causes

the most factors can contribute to constipation in children, including:

• Ignoring .

A child may ignore the urge to have a bowel movement or uncomfortable using public toilets.

• Painful bowel movements caused by large, hard stools also may lead to avoid a repeat of the distressing experience.

• Toilet training issues .

• Diet.

Not enough fiber-rich fruits and vegetables or fluid in a child's diet may cause constipation.

• Changes in routine.

Any changes in routine — such as travel, hot weather, stress or start school — can affect bowel function.

• Medications.

Certain antidepressants and various other drugs can contribute to constipation.

• Cow's milk allergy.

• Family history

• Medical conditions.

irritable bowel syndrome

Hirschsprung’s disease

hypothyroidism

cystic fibrosis

FIRE: Focused Initial Rapid Evaluation

The most common kind is primary and not life-threatening.

• Hard stools • Pain or trouble passing stool • Less than three stools per week

Many children with impaction have a loss of appetite and are less interested in physical activity. After passing the stool, the child feels better and symptoms improve

Complete Diagnostic Approach

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{{{Onset before one month of age }}}

{{{Congenital malformation of anorectum or spine, Hirschsprung disease, allergy, metabolic/endocrine condition }}}

Treatment

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Do's

• The content in this section is in bullet points.

Don'ts

• The content in this section is in bullet points.

References

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