Advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment of functional constipation in children

ZHANG Nini; WANG Baoxi; JIANG Xun

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0952

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (5) : 524-528. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0952

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Advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment of functional constipation in children

ZHANG Nini, WANG Baoxi, JIANG Xun

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Abstract

Functional constipation(FC) is a common disorder affecting children worldwide, significantly impacting the social, physical, and emotional functioning of both the affected children and their caregivers. Currently, the diagnosis of FC is clinically based on the Rome Ⅳ criteria. Non-pharmacological treatments include health education, lifestyle advice, and toilet training. Pharmacological interventions include disimpaction, maintenance therapy, and eventual withdrawal of medication if possible. Polyethylene glycol(PEG) is considered the first-choice laxative for disimpaction and maintenance therapy. Additionally, various osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives, lubricants, and enemas can serve as alternative therapeutic options. For probiotics and newly emerging drugs, there is a lack of evidence supporting their widespread use in childhood FC, necessitating more high-quality research. This review summarizes the currently available scientific evidence and clinical experience to facilitate better clinical management of FC in children by pediatricians.

Key words

functional constipation / potyethylene plycal / probiotics / children

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ZHANG Nini, WANG Baoxi, JIANG Xun. Advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment of functional constipation in children[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2025, 33(5): 524-528 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0952

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