The diagnosis, management and treatment of constipation in children

Constipation is common in children and can be associated with faecal incontinence. Most often, constipation is idiopathic in nature, and invasive investigations should be reserved for intractable cases and carried out by specialists. Children with constipation can present with a variety of symptoms, including faecal incontinence, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. Health visitors play an important role in detecting symptoms early, and the presence of any red flag symptoms should warrant an early referral to specialist services. An essential aim for treatment is to prevent pain associated with defecation, and laxatives are the first line of management for childhood constipation. Chronic constipation can be debilitating and may have long term behavioural and social consequences.