Constipation Flashcards

1
Q

What social problems can cause constipation?

A

Diet e.g. low fluid, fibre or excess milk

Potty training difficulties

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2
Q

What physical things could cause constipation?

A

Meds e.g. Gaviscon or anti-spasmodics
Intercurrent Illness
Anatomical Abnormalities

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3
Q

Most chronically constipated kids don’t have a physical cause, instead they get into a difficult cycle

A

First they get an episode of constipation
This leads to a large hard stool which causes pain or a fissure
The kid learns to withhold stool to avoid the pain which leads to further constipation etc etc

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4
Q

Other than not shitting, how would a chronically constipated kid present?

A
  • poor Appetite
  • Irritable
  • Lacking energy
  • Abdo pain/distension
  • Withholding or straining
  • Diarrhoea
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5
Q

How would we go about managing a chronically constipated child?

A

With diet (more fibre, fruit, veg an fluids + less milk)

Reward good behaviour with praise & star charts
Reduce adverse factors e.g. school toilets, tall toilets, punitive reactions from parents

Laxatives

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6
Q

What are the types of laxatives?

A

Osmotic e.g. Lactulose
Stimulant e.g. Senna
Isotonic e.g. Movicol

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7
Q

What can we do if we suspect impaction?

A

That’s the only time we’d do a DRE and maybe a Stool marker X-ray study

Empty the colon with laxatives

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8
Q

What other complication can occur from chronic constipation?

A

UTI due to mass of stool causing urinary stasis

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9
Q

What is impaction?

A

Large, hard stool which gets stuck in the colon

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