Lower GI - chronic constipation

Question 1

What are the signs and symptoms of constipation in infants

Answer 1

• Poor appetite
• Irritable
• Lack of energy
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal distension
• Straining
• Overflow diarrhoea

Question 2

What is the initial management of constipation

Answer 2

• Dietary changes:
• Increase fibre, fruit, vegetables, fluids
• Decreased milk

Question 3

What is the psychological treatment of infant constipation

Answer 3

• correct the height of toilet
• Soften stool and remove the pain
• Give general praise or star charts to reward the good behaviour

Question 4

What is the medical management of constipation

Answer 4

Soften stool and stimulate defecation:
- Soften stool - osmotic laxative (lactulose, movicol/laxido)
- Stimulant laxatives (senna, picosulphate)