Constipation in children

Follow-up for children with constipation depends on the severity of symptoms and an estimate of the vulnerability of the child and family. As adhering to treatment regimens is often difficult, ongoing contact with a nurse specialist is important. The paediatrician at follow-up needs to confirm complete emptying of the rectum, either by careful palpation of the abdomen or by using abdominal ultrasound, to ensure that even soft stools are not accumulating. This is particularly important in those children who have ongoing faecal incontinence despite effective use of stool softeners and evacuants.