Assessment and Management of Pediatric Constipation
Assessment and management of pediatric constipation is a challenging problem frequently faced by primary care practitioners. The purpose of this article is to offer a review of the literature including the definition of pediatric constipation and the presentation, etiology, and management of this common childhood disorder. Education and anticipatory guidance with children and their families should be included in the treatment regimen to prevent recurrences and promote health maintenance.
Constipation is a frequent complaint encountered by those in pediatric primary care, accounting for roughly 3% of outpatient visits and one quarter of all pediatric gastroenterology referrals (Baker et al., 1999). Assessment and management of pediatric constipation poses many challenges for the practitioner including deciphering whether the problem is organic or non- organic in nature; determining appropriate pharmacological, dietary, and behavioral treatment; and educating parents as to what constitutes and may precipitate constipation. By offering education and anticipatory guidance as well as interventions tailored to the needs of the family, nurse practitioners in pediatric primary care settings are in a position to make significant contributions to the prevention and successful management of constipation in children.
Abstract
Assessment and management of pediatric constipation is a challenging problem frequently faced by primary care practitioners. The purpose of this article is to offer a review of the literature including the definition of pediatric constipation and the presentation, etiology, and management of this common childhood disorder. Education and anticipatory guidance with children and their families should be included in the treatment regimen to prevent recurrences and promote health maintenance.
Introduction
Constipation is a frequent complaint encountered by those in pediatric primary care, accounting for roughly 3% of outpatient visits and one quarter of all pediatric gastroenterology referrals (Baker et al., 1999). Assessment and management of pediatric constipation poses many challenges for the practitioner including deciphering whether the problem is organic or non- organic in nature; determining appropriate pharmacological, dietary, and behavioral treatment; and educating parents as to what constitutes and may precipitate constipation. By offering education and anticipatory guidance as well as interventions tailored to the needs of the family, nurse practitioners in pediatric primary care settings are in a position to make significant contributions to the prevention and successful management of constipation in children.