All issues > Volume 48(4); 2005

Medical Lecture Course

Korean J Pediatr. 2005;48(4):355-362. Published online April 15, 2005.

Constipation in Children

Jae Young JY Kim¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, St. Benedict Hospital, Busan, Korea

Correspondence Jae Young JY Kim ,Email: jykim9@korea.com

Abstract

Constipation is very common phenomenon during childhood that accounts approximately 3% of general pediatric outpatient visits and up to 25% of visit to the pediatric gastroenterologist. The diagnosis of functional constipation is based on the historical features and absence of physical abnormalities. Most infants and children with chronic constipation require no diagnostic tests. Constipation and subsequent fecal retention behavior often begins soon after experience of painful defecation. The effective management of childhood chronic constipation consist of education, prolonged support by physicians and parents, medications, and long term follow up.

Keywords :Constipation , Children