Functional constipation in children

What is constipation in children?

The incidence of constipation among children varies between 7-30 % depending on the country. A full 40 % develop symptoms already during the first year of life and these often persist for a long time. The problems often start when changing from breast milk to formula or with the introduction of solid food. Other frequent onset periods are during toilet training, between two and four years of age, or when the child starts school. Many children with constipation have continued problems as teens and adults. Only 60 % of constipated children are successfully treated with laxatives and many still have symptoms as teenagers and adults.

Signs of constipation in children

A child up to four years of age is diagnosed with constipation if it meets at least two of the following
criteria during one month:

• Two or fewer bowel movements per week
• History of retaining excessive stool in the rectum or large intestine
• Bowel movements that are hard, dry and difficult to pass
• Painful or hard bowel movements
• Large-diameter stools
• Abdominal pain