SEARCH RESULTS FOR: Constipation-in-Children

Constipation in Children

Constipation in Children: Pathogenesis and clinical findings Neonate / Infant (≤1 years old) Older Child (>1 years old) Dietary (e.g., lack of fluids / fiber) Mechanical (e.g.,. intestinal Atresia, anal atresia) Congenital malformation (narrowing, absence, or malrotation) of structure of intestine / anus Interrupted flow of bowel contents Genetic (e.g., cystic Fibrosis) Mucous blocks pancreatic duct Inability of pancreatic enzymes to reach small intestine ↓ Digestion after a meal Large, thickened stool Neurologic (e.g., Hirschsprung's disease) Congenital disruption of the migration of neural crest cells to the distal colon Affected segment of the colon fails to relax Progressive secondary dilation of the healthy proximal colon Systemic (e.g., hypothyroidism) Thyroid hormone deficiency Reduction in the stimulation of gut tone & contractility by thyroid hormones ↓ Peristalsis (intestinal contractions) of the bowel Dietary (e.g., lack of fluids/ fiber) Mucosal (e.g., celiac disease) Inappropriate immune response against gluten Intestinal mucosal injury Malabsorpti on of water and other nutrients Functional (e.g., pain) Prolonged stool retention in bowel ↑ Time in bowel causing over- absorption of water from stool into the large intestine Mechanical (e.g., bowel obstruction) Mechanical obstruction in the intestines Interrupted flow of bowel contents Intestinal obstruction Neurologic (e.g., neglect, physical abuse) Disturbance in brain-intestine axis Mechanisms not fully understood Visceral hyper- sensitivity (increased pain sensation) Withholding behaviour Lack of soluble fiber ↓ Attractive forces between water & stool Prevention of secretion of water into stool Lack of insoluble fiber ↓ Stool bulk and laxation ↓ Secretion of water & mucous into stool Lack of soluble fiber ↓ Attractive forces between water & stool Prevention of secretion of water into stool Lack of insoluble fiber ↓ Stool bulk and laxation ↓ Secretion of water & mucous into stool Formation of dry & hard stool Formation of dry & hard stool Difficulty passing stool Difficulty passing stool Authors: Jennifer Wytsma Reviewers: Sophia Khan, Shahab Marzoughi, Sylvain Coderre* * MD at time of publication Intestinal obstruction Legend: Pathophysiology Mechanism Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding Complications Published Dec 15, 2024 on www.thecalgaryguide.com