Management principles of organic causes of childhood constipation.

Nan Tobias, Debby Mason, Marlene Lutkenhoff, Marilyn Stoops, Denise Ferguson

Journal: Journal of pediatric health care : official publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners 2008;22(1):12-23

PMID: 18174085

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Constipation is extremely common in the pediatric population; however, it is a symptom and not a disease. Organic causes of constipation include Hirschprung's disease, anorectal malformation, and spina bifida. This article also discusses constipation and urinary tract pathology and dysfunction. The function of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts are intertwined, and this concept will assist the practitioner in managing patients accordingly. Children and adolescents who experience bowel dysfunction require patience and sensitive support from their health care providers so that they can live productive and emotionally healthy lives.

Address: Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Division of Urology, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 5037, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2007.01.001

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MeSH Terms: Adolescent, Anal Canal, Cathartics, Causality, Child, Child, Preschool, Constipation, Dietary Fiber, Enema, Fecal Impaction, Female, Hirschsprung Disease, Humans, Infant, Male, Nurse Practitioners, Nurse's Role, Nursing Assessment, Pediatric Nursing, Rectum, Social Support, Spinal Dysraphism, Toilet Training, Urination Disorders