Pediatric Constipation Questions & Answers

Updated: Dec 16, 2022
  • Author: Stephen M Borowitz, MD; Chief Editor: Carmen Cuffari, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is pediatric constipation?

How common is pediatric constipation?

How is pediatric constipation defined?

What is the anatomy of the colon relevant to pediatric constipation?

What is the pathophysiology of pediatric constipation?

What is the prevalence of pediatric constipation in the US?

What is the global prevalence of pediatric constipation?

Which age groups have the highest prevalence of pediatric constipation?

What is included in patient education about pediatric constipation?

Presentation

What is the focus of the clinical history to evaluate pediatric constipation?

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of pediatric constipation?

Which rectal exam findings are characteristic of pediatric constipation?

What does a finding of sacral dimples or pits indicate in the evaluation of pediatric constipation?

What does failure to elicit an anal wink reflex indicate in the evaluation of pediatric constipation?

DDX

Which conditions are included in the differential diagnoses of pediatric constipation?

How is pediatric constipation differentiated from Hirschsprung disease?

What are the differential diagnoses for Pediatric Constipation?

Workup

How is pediatric constipation diagnosed?

What is the role of abdominal radiography in the workup of pediatric constipation?

What is the role of contrast enema in the workup of pediatric constipation?

What is the role of air-contrast enemas in the workup of pediatric constipation?

What is the role of anorectal manometry in the workup of pediatric constipation?

What is the role of rectal biopsy in the workup of pediatric constipation?

What is the role of ultrasonography in the workup of pediatric constipation?

Treatment

How is pediatric constipation treated?

What is the role of colon evacuation in the treatment of pediatric constipation?

What is the role of laxatives in the treatment of pediatric constipation?

How are regular toilet habits established in the treatment of pediatric constipation?

Which dietary modifications are used in the treatment of pediatric constipation?

Which diet is recommended for the treatment of pediatric constipation?

What is the role of cow milk in the treatment of pediatric constipation?

What is the role of iron in the treatment of pediatric constipation?

What is the role of probiotics in the treatment of pediatric constipation?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with pediatric constipation?

What is included in the long-term monitoring of pediatric constipation?

What is the role of interferential electrical stimulation in the treatment of pediatric constipation?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of pediatric constipation?

Which medications in the drug class Stool Softeners in Combination With Stimulants are used in the treatment of Pediatric Constipation?

Which medications in the drug class Stool Softeners are used in the treatment of Pediatric Constipation?

Which medications in the drug class Stimulant Laxatives are used in the treatment of Pediatric Constipation?

Which medications in the drug class Lubricants are used in the treatment of Pediatric Constipation?

Which medications in the drug class Osmotic Laxatives are used in the treatment of Pediatric Constipation?