MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC CONSTIPATION IN INFANTS AND TODDLERS

Authors
Citation
V. Loeningbaucke, MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC CONSTIPATION IN INFANTS AND TODDLERS, American family physician, 49(2), 1994, pp. 397
Citations number
NO
Categorie Soggetti
Medicine, General & Internal
Journal title
ISSN journal
0002838X
Volume
49
Issue
2
Year of publication
1994
Database
ISI
SICI code
0002-838X(1994)49:2<397:MOCCII>2.0.ZU;2-M
Abstract
Infants and toddlers with constipation usually have a history of infre quent, hard and painful bowel movements, often accompanied by screamin g and stool-holding maneuvers. Encopresis, the intermittent and involu ntary passage of formed-to-liquid feces, is common. Although constipat ion most often has a functional cause, the history and physical examin ation should rule out anatomic, endocrinologic, metabolic or neurologi c causes. Hirschsprung's disease-aganglionic megacolon-is a congenital cause of severe constipation that occurs in one of every 5,000 births . Treatment consists of fecal disimpaction, laxatives to prevent futur e impaction, promotion of regular bowel habits and, finally, toilet tr aining. Parents should be reassured that although this disorder is not life-threatening, several months to years of supportive intervention may be required for effective treatment.