Study of functional constipation among children attending the Gastroenterology Clinic at Alexandria University Children’s Hospital

Abstract

Background Functional constipation is a common health problem in the pediatric age group. Delayed management leads to a significant childhood morbidity. Aim The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, precipitating factors, and clinical characteristics and management of children with functional constipation in our community. Patients and methods This work was performed as a prospective study that included all children aged 1–15 years with functional constipation who presented to the Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic at Alexandria University Children’s Hospital between August 2015 and January 2016. Demographic data, precipitating factors, clinical characteristics, and prereferral management were recorded. All patients were treated and followed up for at least 4 months. Results During the study period, 86 patients were enrolled. They constituted the most important cause for referral to the Gastroenterology Clinic during the study period. Most of the patients were living in low to middle socioeconomic status and were belonging to mothers of low to intermediate level of education. Low-fiber diet, diminished fluid intake, and urge postponing when present at public places were the commonest risk factors for developing constipation. Family history of constipation was positive in 32.6% of patients. The mean duration of complaints before presentation to our clinic was 19.22±22 months. Chronic abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (77.9%). Only 28% of the parents were aware that their children are constipated. The passage of hard painful stools was the most common character of stool in the studied group (98.8 and 95.3%) followed by infrequent evacuations ( Conclusion Functional constipation is a very common, yet underestimated, underdiagnosed, and maltreated health problem our community.