Constipation in children

Key words: Constipation, Toilet training, Abdominal pain, Laxative

Constipation is a common problem during childhood. Sometimes it is hidden behind isolated abdominal pain or paradoxical diarrhoea. Few children have a disease that affects the normal colonic motility or the emptying of the rectum; in such cases the onset of constipation is generally perinatal. In most children the problem is instead of functional origin and derives from a retentionist attitude. The aim of constipation therapy is the disimpaction and maintenance of regular evacuations and is based on the administration of laxatives and toilet training.