Ins and outs of therapy of functional proctogenic constipation in children

Abstract

In recent years, chronic constipation has become one of the key challenges in pediatric gastroenterology. Motility disorders in children are often functional; there are mixed (cologenic and proctogenic) and proctogenic disorders. Treatment of constipation in children should be comprehensive. If non-pharmacological treatments fail, medications are used. Therapy of proctogenic and mixed constipation should imply softening of the stool and facilitating evacuation. The first aim is achieved through the use of laxatives (osmotic laxatives). Administration of glycerol suppositories in combination with osmotic laxatives facilitates evacuation and helps to overcome fear of defecation.

Keywords

• proctogenic constipation in children
• potty fear
• habitual constipation
• osmotic laxatives
• suppositories
• improved evacuation