Constipation

• What is the average number of times infants under 6 open their bowels?


  3 times per day
• What is the average number of times 3 year olds and over open their bowels a day?


  Once
• A diagnosis of constipation for children under 1 year is suggested by 2 or more of the following:

  Stool patterns:

  • Fewer than 3 complete stools per week
  • Hard large stools
  • 'Rabbit droppings' - type 1

  Symptoms associated with defecation:

  • Distress on passing stool
  • Bleeding
  • Straining

  History:

  • Previous episodes of constipation
  • Previous or current anal fissure
• A diagnosis of constipation for children over 1 year is suggested by 2 or more of the following:

  Stool patterns:

  • Fewer than 3 complete stools per week
  • Overflow soiling
  • 'Rabbit droppings' - type 1
  • Large, infrequent stools that can block toilet

  Symptoms associated with defecation:

  • Poor appetite (improves when passing stool)
  • Intermittent abdo pain with passing stool
  • Retentive posturing
  • Straining
  • Anal pain

  History:

  • Previous episodes of constipation
  • Previous or current anal fissure
  • Bleeding with hard stools
• What are some causes of constipation in children?

  Dehydration

  Anal fissue

  Hirschsprung's disease

  Hypercalcaemia

  Low fibre diet

  Medication (opiates)

  Hypothyroidism

  Learning disabilities