Constipation in children

Abstract EN

Constipation in pediatrics age group is frequently encountered in primary health care.

It can affect up to 10% of all children at any given time.

However, only about 3% of parents seek doctors’ advice for this problem1 .

In most cases, the problem is functional and short-lived.

Nevertheless, family physicians should always be alerted to the red flags pointing out to more serious pathological abnormalities.

Constipation can be defined as reduced frequency of defecation, passing hard or dry stool or painful defecation.

The problem might be very distressing to both parents and children.

In this article the causes of constipation in infants and children will be reviewed, as well as provide a guide for management at the level of primary care.