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.
- Diet.
Not enough fiber-rich fruits and vegetables or fluid in a child's diet may cause constipation.
Any changes in routine — such as travel, hot weather, stress or start school — can affect bowel function.
Certain antidepressants and various other drugs can contribute to constipation.
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
Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the diagnosis of [[constipation]] according the the [...] guidelines. Onset before one month of age
{{{Congenital malformation of anorectum or spine, Hirschsprung disease, allergy, metabolic/endocrine condition }}}
Treatment
Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the treatment of [[disease name]] according the the [...] guidelines.
Do's
- The content in this section is in bullet points.
Don'ts
- The content in this section is in bullet points.