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Constipation

Constipation is common in infants and children, and the problem usually is a short-lived and without significant long-term consequences. Constipation usually resolves after modification of the child's fluid and dietary regimen, although a stool softener.

I. Pathophysiology

• A. Chronic constipation is rarely caused by an anatomic or pathophysiologic abnormality. Persistent difficulty with the passage of stool may often lead to impaction, stool withholding.

Conditions Associated With Constipation
Condition	Common Causes
Lack of Fecal Bulk	High carbohydrate constipation or high protein diet Undernutrition
Abnormally Hard Stools	Excessive cow milk intake
Abnormally Dry Stools	Dehydration Infantile renal acidosis Diabetes insipidus Idiopathic hypercalcemia
Nervous System Lesion	Spinal cord lesions
Mechanical Constipation	Anorectal stenotic lesions Intrinsic