Childhood Constipation treatment

Childhood Constipation is a common condition, affecting up to one in three UK children.1,2 Constipation can develop for a number of reasons and does not normally mean there is anything physically wrong with your child. The signs and symptoms of constipation are rarely recognised but if spotted early, and with the right treatment, problems can often be resolved quickly and simply.NICE GUIDELINEIn May 2010, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published the first ever national guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of constipation in children and young people. Whilst the NICE guideline is issued so that healthcare professionals can deliver the best level of care, it also allows parents and carers to better understand and manage their child’s constipation. In fact, NICE has issued a summary for parents in everyday language, which you can find here.It is always important to speak with a healthcare professional. They will first consider your child’s bowel habits and history to make an assessment. If your child needs treatment for Childhood Constipation, the NICE guideline recommends a laxative (Macrogol 3350 + electrolytes) along with encouragement and dietary management. A doctor may choose to change this laxative, or add another laxative, if the Childhood Constipation is not fixed with the first choice. The NICE guideline should give parents confidence that, in most cases, Childhood Constipation can be well treated.You can access the NICE guideline here.To learn more about childhood constipation, use the toilet tool. .If your child has ongoing or chronic constipation, try not to worry as there are various treatments that can help. However, these treatments can take a while to work, so try to be patient and follow the advice of your doctor.The ideal way to treat constipation is to identify and if possible eliminate the cause of the constipation.Your doctor or nurse can also give you advice about how to help your child maintain healthy bowel function and help avoid Childhood Constipation in the future.