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Benjamin Lee, MD, FAAP, "Constipation", Caring for the Hospitalized Child: A Handbook of Inpatient Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Hospital Medicine, Jeffrey C. Gershel, MD, FAAP, Daniel A. Rauch, MD, FAAP, SFHM
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Constipation is defined as a delay or difficulty in defecation for at least 4 to 7 days’ duration. It is a common pediatric problem, affecting all age groups. While most cases of constipation can be addressed and treated as an outpatient, some patients require hospitalization for removal of the stool (cleanout) and workup for the cause of the constipation. Often, the first step is to differentiate between functional constipation, constipation without an identified pathologic cause, and constipation from an organic etiology.
Delayed passage of meconium stools and irregular bowel movements since birth suggest an organic cause. This is more likely...
