title: Constipation in childhood: a multidisciplinary approach to management in the community.
abstract: Three per cent of children in the community may be affected by chronic constipation. Causes of constipation may be organic or functional: the cornerstone of management is thorough interview and physical examination to identify appropriate investigations, identify causes and decide on management. Whatever the cause, faecal impaction must be managed as the first phase of treatment using appropriate medications. Other strategies may include increasing the fibre content of the child's meals and increasing fluid intake. Getting into a regular toilet habit helps prevent constipation and a structured toileting programme promotes the resumption of faecal continence.
authors.affiliation: Queen Mary's Hospital.
authors.forename: Nermeen
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Galal
authors.forename: Sonny K F
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: May
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003663:Decision Trees; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014039:Toilet Training
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D004043:Dietary Fiber