title: Clinical practice guidelines for pediatric constipation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the diagnosis and management of pediatric constipation by nurse practitioners in primary care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical practice guidelines and selected research articles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pediatric constipation is a common complaint. Few children have an organic cause; more common is "functional constipation." Management may include medications, dietary interventions, and behavior modification. Patient and family education is essential.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A successful outcome requires multiple management strategies. There are usually relapses and gradual progress, so follow-up is essential. A consult with a pediatric gastroenterologist is indicated when treatment fails, if there is concern about an organic cause, or for complex management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas, USA. Beverly.Greenwald@angelo.edu
authors.forename: Beverly J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Greenwald
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D054368:Laxatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D054368:Laxatives