Adolescent constipation: evaluation and management.
It is important for physicians who deal with adolescents to become familiar with the multiple facets of the symptom of constipation. Constipation is not a life-threatening problem; however, affected patients may suffer a great deal of angst and have their lives disrupted, especially when it is left untreated. A thorough history and physical examination will uncover the majority of predisposing problems that may contribute to constipation. Most adolescents are adequately treated by appropriate behavioral and lifestyle changes and pharmacologic interventions. Failure of treatment despite good compliance requires reconsideration of the differential diagnosis, further evaluation, and possible referral to the subspecialist.
Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's Medical Center/Atlantic Health System, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Morristown 07962, USA. Nader.Youssef@ahsys.org
Nader N
NN
Youssef
Leslie
L
Sanders
Carlo
C
Di Lorenzo
D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans