Management Approach of Pediatric Constipation

Constipation is a common challenge in pediatrics. Abdominal radiographs are frequently taken in the pediatric emergency department for diagnosis despite their inadequate reliability to detect the pathology or the degree of constipation. Misdiagnosis of constipation may cause multiple vague physician visits, deployment of emergency medical services, use of radiation, unnecessary laboratory tests, and even surgical procedures. The primary evidence-based suggestions are based on published guidelines that include management of constipation in children divided into three stages of therapy: (1) disimpaction, (2) maintenance therapy, and (3) behavior modification, and special care should be given to neonates and to children with pre-existing medical problems.