Previous Post : When to label as Constipation
In children functional constipation is the major cause of constipation, however, 10 to 20% of cases are due to organic causes for which a clinician should watch for Red Flags:
Red flags suggestive of organic constipation:
- Delayed passage of meconium
- Onset of constipation in early infancy
- Failure to thrive
- Ribbon or pellet stools
- Bilious vomiting
- Uniform abdominal distension
- Recurrent lower respiratory tract infections
- Neuro-developmental delay or regression
- Gush of stools on digital rectal examination (DRE)
- Anal malformations
- Abnormal neurological examination (paraspinal, lower limbs and anorectal reflexes)
Organic causes of constipation:
Hirschprung disease, hypothyroism, neurological and spinal causes, anatomical malformation , Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, Celiac disease, lead poisoning, Slow transit constipation and Drug induced etc.
Next Post: Functional Constipation
Read all posts so far on Constipation
Post drafted on inputs from Dr Mridul Das, Ex-Pediatric Gastroenterologist at BLK Centre for Child Health
Pediatric Practice... Pearls for your Pediatric Office Practice 