Constipation in childhood
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - K590
What is constipation in childhood?
Although there are many definitions and classifications, constipation can be described as a feeling of discomfort during bowel movements, a reduced number of bowel movements, and very dry (hardened) stools.
The vast majority of constipation cases are functional, meaning there is no specific disease causing the condition. They are often triggered by bulky stools, which cause pain during evacuation and lead to withholding behavior (holding in the urge to go, crossing legs, etc.). It becomes a cycle: the less the child evacuates, the more water is absorbed, and the stools become even harder, making it more difficult to pass the rectal contents.
Causes
- 95% functional
- low fiber intake in the diet
- low water intake
- emotional changes (changing schools, moving houses, etc.)
- inadequate toilet training
- constitutional
- other causes:
- cow’s milk protein allergy
- intestinal nerve disorders (congenital megacolon)
- use of medication
Symptoms
- decreased frequency of bowel movements
- dry stools
- pain during evacuation
- abdominal pain
- soiled underwear with fecal matter
- rectal bleeding
Complications
Constipation affects the child’s emotional balance and socialization. It can also lead to physical complications such as: Recurrent abdominal pain; fecal incontinence; rectal bleeding; enuresis; urinary infection or retention
Treatment
Treatment involves guidance on dietary habits, use of fiber supplements, toilet training, pharmacological approach, fecal disimpaction, and physiotherapy with pelvic floor muscle relaxation training through electromyographic biofeedback.
The Einstein Pediatric Specialty Clinic Clinic has state-of-the-art biofeedback equipment for treating constipation and a specialized team for proper care.