[Chronic constipation]

Abstract

Infant constipation is a common problem in pediatric practice and it constitutes approximately 25% of children's gastroenterologist consultations. An average prevalence of 8.9% in the pediatric population is described, but it varies as it is influenced by different dietary habits and definitions used in the studied populations. 90 to 95% of the cases have a functional cause, where the most important therapeutic measures are: Education to children and their parents, forming a stool pattern, a diet rich in fiber and the use of drugs for disimpaction treatment and maintenance. Finally, it is important to explain to parents that the treatment is usually long, due to frequent relapses. It is described that 25% of affected children will continue with symptoms into adulthood.

Keywords: Chronic constipation; Constipación crónica; Constipación funcional; Constipation treatment; Functional constipation; Tratamiento de la constipación.