Childhood constipation is typically characterised by infrequent bowel evacuations, large stools, and difficult or painful defecation.

Symptoms may result from low fibre, poor nutrient, and/or insufficient water intake, which leads to excessive hardening of the stool. This often starts as an acute problem but can progress to faecal impaction and chronic constipation.

Claire Zar-Kessler, Instructor in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston gives us a clinical overview of the condition.

Please always check the licensed indications for medications in your own country.

For more on constipation in children, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/784

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