Functional constipation in pediatrics, diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Functional constipation is a common disease and one of the most frequent reasons of visit in pediatric clinics with a 3 % of prevalence. The Constipation Working Group of the Gastroenterology Committee of the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría met with the objective of updating the diagnosis and treatment of functional constipation in pediatrics. A literature search was performed to assess the quality of the evidence. In a constipated patient, a complete history and clinical examination is essential. The Rome IV Criteria establish guidelines that usually allow us to diagnose functional constipation, avoiding unnecessary studies. The performance of diagnostic studies willonlybeconsideredintheabsenceofresponse to medical treatment or in cases of alarm signs (red flags). The first step of treatment is disimpaction (orally or enemas), followed by dietary treatment, habits and laxatives, with polyethylene glycol being the first choice.