Functional Constipation in Children – How to Identify and What to Do?
Constipation in children is a common issue, but when does it become a medical concern? 🤔
📌 Diagnosis of Functional Constipation in Children According to Rome IV Criteria
👦 For children over 4 years old – Diagnosis requires symptoms to appear at least once a week 📅 for at least one month ⏳.
👶 For infants and toddlers (under 4 years old) – Criteria require symptoms to appear at least once a week 🗓️ for one month, but in addition, there must be no organic disease (such as irritable bowel syndrome) ❌⚕️ that could explain the constipation 💩.
According to Rome IV Criteria, Functional Constipation is Defined as Experiencing at Least Two of the Following Symptoms for at Least One Month:
🔹 Fewer than two bowel movements per week 📅
🔹 Withholding or intentional retention – The child tries to avoid passing stool, for example, by crossing their legs 🚫🦵
🔹 Hard, dry, or painful stools 😖💢
🔹 Large stools that may cause toilet blockage 🚽🔄
🔹 Fecal incontinence (encopresis) – When liquid or solid stool leaks into underwear 🩲💦
🔹 Signs of pain or fear during bowel movements 😢😨
📌 What You Should Know?
✅ Constipation can be caused by a low-fiber and low-water diet 🥤, withholding due to pain or fear 😟, or changes in routine 🔄.
✅ If constipation is not caused by an organic disease, it is considered functional and can be treated with proper guidance 👩⚕️.
🚸 What Happens in Autism?
📊 A CDC national survey (2006–2010) found that children with autism were 3.5 times more likely to suffer from chronic constipation compared to children with typical development.
😶 Many times, constipation and digestive issues are overlooked, especially in non-verbal autistic children who struggle to communicate discomfort and pain.
🔍 Common behaviors that may indicate gastrointestinal discomfort:
🔸 Arching the back 🤸♂️
🔸 Pressing on the abdomen 🤲
🔸 Teeth grinding 😬
🔸 Increased repetitive behaviors 🔁
🔸 Irritability, aggression, and self-injury 😡🤕
💡 How Can You Help Children?
🥦 A fiber-rich diet – Fruits 🍎, vegetables 🥕, and whole grains 🌾
💧 Adequate hydration – Drinking water throughout the day 🚰
🚽 Regular toilet habits – Encouraging sitting on the toilet after meals 🕒
⚠️ Reducing foods that contribute to constipation 🥯🧀🍟
🎉 Positive reinforcement – Encouraging success without pressure 🌟
❗ If constipation persists or causes significant distress, consult a pediatrician, gastroenterologist 🩺, or pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapist 👨⚕️👩⚕️ for further guidance!
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