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Your search term(s) "constipation and children" returned 18 results.

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Constipation in Children. Bethesda, MD: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 2008. 4 p.

This fact sheet describes constipation in children. Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements occur less frequently than usual or stools tend to be hard, dry, and difficult or painful to pass. Constipation is common in children and is usually without long-term consequences. However, constipation can diminish a child’s quality of life, cause emotional problems, and create family stress. The fact sheet answers common questions about constipation in children, including its causes, symptoms, how to know when to see a doctor, and treatment strategies. Children often develop constipation as a result of withholding stool. A child with constipation should see a doctor if symptoms last for more than 2 weeks. A child should also see a doctor if constipation is accompanied by symptoms that may indicate a more serious health problem. Constipation is treated by changing diet, taking laxatives, and adopting healthy bowel habits. The fact sheet includes a brief description of current research in this area. Readers are referred to online publications and two resource organizations: the American Academy of Pediatrics at 847–434–4000 or www.aap.org and the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders at 1–888–964–2001 or www.iffgd.org. The document concludes with a summary of the activities of the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). 1 figure.

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Diagnosis and Management of Urinary Incontinence and Functional Fecal Incontinence (Encopresis) in Children. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 37(3): 731-748. September 2008.

This article about the diagnosis and management of urinary incontinence and functional fecal incontinence in children is from a special issue of Gastroenterology Clinics of North America that presents updates on disorders of the pelvic floor and anorectum. The authors note that the ability to maintain normal continence for urine and stools is not achievable in all children by a certain age. Gaining control of urinary and fecal continence is a complex process, and not all steps and factors involved are fully understood. Although normal development of anatomy and physiology are prerequisites to becoming fully continent, anatomic abnormalities—such as bladder exstrophy, epispadias, ectopic ureters, and neurogenic disturbances that can usually be recognized at birth and cause incontinence—will require specialist treatment, not only to restore continence but also to preserve renal function. The authors caution that most forms of urinary incontinence are not caused by an anatomic or physiologic abnormality and, hence, are more difficult to diagnose. Their management requires a sound knowledge of bladder and bowel function. The article covers the normal development of bladder and sphincter control, pathophysiology and classification of urinary incontinence, the epidemiology of urinary incontinence, the evaluation of children with daytime incontinence and constipation, the role of urodynamic studies, nonpharmacological treatments of urinary incontinence, pharmacologic therapy of urinary incontinence, functional fecal retention and functional retentive soiling, functional nonretentive soiling, and the treatment of fecal incontinence. 1 figure. 1 table. 99 references.

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Disorders of the Pelvic Floor and Anorectum. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 37(3): 1-764. September 2008.

This issue of Gastroenterology Clinics of North America presents updates on disorders of the pelvic floor and anorectum. The issue is designed to increase the interdisciplinary approach to these problems, which have heretofore often been dealt with in isolation by specialists from multiple disciplines. The issue includes current concepts on the pathophysiology of symptoms, innovative diagnostic tools, and evidence-based management strategies for pelvic floor problems. Fourteen chapters cover pelvic floor anatomy and applied physiology; manometric, sensorimotor, and neurophysiologic evaluation of anorectal function; the urodynamic evaluation of the bladder and pelvic floor; radiologic evaluation of pelvic floor disorders; dyssynergic defecation and biofeedback therapy; fecal incontinence and biofeedback therapy; surgical treatment of patients with constipation and fecal incontinence; hemorrhoids and fissure in ano; rectal prolapse, rectal intussusception, rectocele, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, and enterocele; the diagnosis and management of ileal pouch dysfunction; functional and chronic anorectal and pelvic pain disorders; urinary and fecal incontinence in nursing home residents; pediatric anorectal disorders; and the diagnosis and management of urinary incontinence and functional fecal incontinence, called encopresis in children. Each chapter includes black-and-white photographs and concludes with a list of references. A detailed subject index concludes the volume.

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Hirschsprung’s Disease. Practical Gastroenterology. 32(6):42-46. June 2008.

This article presents a discussion of Hirschsprung’s disease, an unusual but well recognized cause of chronic constipation in young children. Hirschsprung’s disease is characterized by an absence of ganglion cells in the distal bowel beginning at the internal sphincter and extending proximally for varying distances. The disease is diagnosed by rectal biopsy. The article reviews epidemiology, genetics, etiopathology, symptoms, signs, differential diagnosis, imaging, and treatment, including preoperative management and surgical techniques. The authors stress that early recognition of Hirschsprung’s disease before the onset of complications is essential in reducing morbidity and mortality. Multiple genetic abnormalities are associated with the disorder, Down’s syndrome being the most common. Hirschsprung’s disease is classified as ultra-short-segment Hirschsprung’s disease, which involves only a few centimeters proximal to the dentate line; short-segment disease, the most common type, which is absence of ganglion cells in the rectosigmoid area; and long-segment disease that can involve the entire colon. The authors conclude with a discussion of the recommended surgical techniques to be used in patients with differing types and levels of Hirschsprung’s disease and its complications. 2 figures. 8 references.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children. Bethesda, MD: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 2008. 6 p.

This fact sheet describes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder marked by abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and irregular bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. Functional gastrointestinal disorders are defined by their symptoms. IBS can cause a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it is not life threatening, does not damage the bowel, and does not progress to other diseases. The fact sheet answers common questions about IBS in children, including the anatomy and function of the bowel, the causes of IBS, who gets IBS, the symptoms, diagnostic strategies, treatment options, and the outlook for a child with IBS. Treatment for IBS includes dietary changes, medication, and stress management. The fact sheet includes a brief description of current research in this area. Readers are referred to two resource organizations: the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders at 1–888–964–2001 or www.iffgd.org and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at 215–233–0808 or www.naspghan.org. The document concludes with a summary of the activities of the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). 1 figure.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Approach to Treating Patients. Digestive Health Matters. 17(1): 4-7. Spring 2008.

This article reprints an interview with Dr. Peter Whorwell, conducted in April 2007 at the 7th International Symposium on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, in which he discussed treatment options that are available to patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). With limited IBS-targeted drugs available, the interview focused on how Dr. Whorwell approaches treatment of patients with IBS. Topics include changes in the medical treatment of IBS that have occurred in the last decade; how to find adequate care for IBS; the intake interview; the professional-patient relationship and its impact on delivery of health care; the need to tailor treatments to each individual patient; addressing individual symptoms of IBS such as diarrhea, constipation, pain, and food-related problems; the role of dietary fiber; medications used to treat the varying symptoms of IBS; the role of tricyclic antidepressants; how antidepressants can work for IBS symptoms at lower doses than when they are used for psychological problems; and the use of hypnotherapy for treating IBS. Throughout the article, Dr. Whorwell emphasizes that any and all treatment strategies require a long-term approach and that most patients will achieve improvements rather than a cure. One side bar reviews the problem of IBS in children and adolescents.

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Pediatric Anorectal Disorders. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 37(3): 709-730. September 2008.

This article about pediatric anorectal disorders is from a special issue of Gastroenterology Clinics of North America that presents updates on disorders of the pelvic floor and anorectum. The authors report on the clinical, physiopathologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of the most common anorectal disorders in children, including constipation and fecal incontinence. They focus on the differential diagnosis between organic and functional constipation. Other clinical conditions are discussed, such as atopy, neurologic diseases, and anorectal malformations, in which chronic constipation may be an important clinical manifestation. Anorectal disorders are common in children and are usually mild and short-lived if the child receives prompt and adequate attention during the early phase of the disorder. Altered stool frequency and altered behavior with defecation are common presenting symptoms in children who have anorectal disorders. These alterations may be affected by several factors such as diet, social habit, convenience, parents’ cultural beliefs, interrelationships with the family, and daily timing of activities. In addition, the authors encourage clinicians to consider the age and degree of psychosocial development of the child for both diagnostic and treatment approaches. 3 figures. 2 tables. 92 references.

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Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders in Adolescent Patients: Transitioning to Adult Care. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 36(3): pp 749-764. September 2007.

This article on gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders in adolescent patients is from a special issue of Gastroenterology Clinics of North America that focuses on GI motility. The authors review the pediatric presentations and sequelae of childhood GI motility disorders and discuss long-term management issues for these children as they progress into adulthood. Disorders discussed include motor disorders of the esophagus, tracheoesophageal fistula and atresia, gastric emptying disorders, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome, childhood constipation, and Hirschprung’s disease. The goal is to optimize medical care and ensure the adequate nutritional status essential for neurocognitive and psychosocial development of the child. They conclude that multidisciplinary care from specialists, including gastroenterologists, psychologists, and pain specialists, is often required to optimize the lives of these patients. 2 figures. 1 table. 78 references.

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Understanding Constipation. Baltimore, MD: AGA Institute. 2007. 4 p.

This brochure from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) provides an overview of constipation, defined as the infrequent and difficult passage of stool. The brochure reviews common misconceptions about constipation and bowel habits and outlines the causes of constipation, which can include poor diet, imaginary constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), poor bowel habits, laxative abuse, travel, hormonal disturbances, pregnancy, fissures and hemorrhoids, specific diseases, loss of body salts, mechanical compression, nerve damage, medications, and colonic motility disorders. The brochure describes constipation in children, constipation in older adults, when to seek medical attention for constipation, diagnostic tests that may be used to confirm the condition, and treatment options. One section reviews the different types of laxatives, including bulk-forming, stimulants, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, saline laxatives, and chloride channel activators. A final section summarizes the basic information presented in the brochure. One illustration presents the organs of the digestive system labeled in a simple line drawing. Readers are referred to the AGA website at www.gastro.org/patient for more information about digestive health and to find a local AGA member physician. 2 figures.

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Urinary Tract Infection in Children. IN: Litwin, M.S.; Saigal, C.S., eds. Urologic Diseases in America. Bethesda, MD: National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. pp. 439-58.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) affects 2.6 percent to 3.4 percent of children in the United States annually. UTIs are primarily managed in physicians’ offices, where they account for more than 1 million visits—0.7 percent of all pediatric office visits—per year. Inpatient hospitalization is required in 2 to 3 percent of cases. This chapter on UTI in children is from a lengthy text that offers a comprehensive portrait of the illness burden and resource use associated with the major urologic diseases in the United States. In this chapter, the author discusses definition and diagnosis; prevalence and incidence; natural history; risk factors; clinical evaluation; trends in health care resource utilization for this condition, specifically inpatient and outpatient care; nonsexually transmitted orchids; prevention; and economic impact. A final section offers recommendations in the areas of diagnosis, treatment, and needed research for each of the conditions discussed. Preventive practices such as proper hygiene, good voiding habits, and relief of constipation are the primary methods for preventing uncomplicated infections. Further research is needed to optimize the evaluation phase following the diagnosis of UTI to improve quality of care and decrease cost. 1 figure. 13 tables. 14 references.

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