Epidemiology

Constipation in children is a common problem worldwide.[4]​ A systematic literature review determined the prevalence of childhood constipation to range from 0.7% to 26.9%.[5] High rates have been reported from survey-based studies in Hong Kong (29%), in Brazil (28%), the US (23%), with slightly lower rates in Palestine (12%) and Italy (2.6%).[6][7]​​[8][9]​​ Meaningful comparison of epidemiological data between countries and world regions is limited by the lack of uniformity in the classification of constipation.​​​ 

In the US, childhood constipation accounts for approximately 3% of consultations in an average paediatric clinic, and constitutes about 30% of the workload of a paediatric gastroenterologist.[10] The prevalence of constipation in the US has been reported to be rising. A 50.7% increase in constipation-related emergency department visits in children aged 1 to 17 years was reported from 2006 to 2011. This age group also had the second-highest constipation-related emergency department visit rate in 2011.[11] Constipation was noted in 36.1% of Australian children aged 4.8 to 17.5 years with nocturnal enuresis;[12] it is not associated with allergy in Italian children.[13]​ One Sri Lankan study found greater rates of constipation in children who were underweight and in those who lived in an urban versus rural area.[14]

Functional constipation, where there is no organic cause, accounts for 90% to 95% of constipation cases, with a median age of onset of 2.3 years.[1]​​​[15] There is no sex predominance.[15]​​​​

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer