title: [Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of constipation in Mexico. D) Evaluation and treatment of constipation in pediatric population].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Constipation is one of the most common causes of consultation in pediatric practice, it has a multifactorial etiology and its treatment can be complex.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To establish the clinical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation in pediatric population in Mexico, a review of the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects was conducted by an expert group of pediatric gastroenterologist in our country.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Constipation is a symptom that reflects the presence of fecal retention, which is reported by patients or their relatives as decreased stool frequency, hard stools, and sometimes pain and excessive pushing. Constipation can occur at any stage of childhood. The main trigger for fecal retention is the painful evacuation. Patients who meet the Rome III criteria for functional constipation do not require diagnostic tests. The diagnostic tests are reserved for cases in which alarm signs are present and in patients refractory to conventional treatment. The goal of treatment is to promote smooth and painless evacuations preventing reaccumulation of stool. Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol and lactulose are the most effective treatments. In special cases, biofeedback therapy, the use of botulinum toxin and surgery can be effective, although the evidence is weak.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Management of chronic constipation in pediatric population requires a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
authors: Laboratorio de Fisiología Digestiva, Instituto de Investigaciones Medico Biológicas, Universidad Veracruzana, México. jose.remes.troche@gmail.com
authors: José María
authors: JM
authors: Remes Troche
authors: José Antonio
authors: JA
authors: Chávez Barrera
authors: Beatriz
authors: B
authors: González Ortíz
authors: Solange
authors: S
authors: Heller Rouassant
authors: Ericka
authors: E
authors: Montijo Barrios
authors: María del Rosario
authors: Mdel R
authors: Velasco Lavín
authors: Liliana Beatriz
authors: LB
authors: Worona Dibner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D054368:Laxatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008800:Mexico
chemical_list: D054368:Laxatives