Constipation is common in childhood
Constipation in children can be divided into causes in infants and causes in older children. There are also a variety of causes that must be considered in the neonate who has never passed meconium.
Constipation is referred to as 'idiopathic' if it cannot be explained by anatomical or physiological abnormalities
Many people don't recognise the signs and symptoms of constipation and few relate the presence of soiling to constipation
Note that there is a high degree of normal variation in the frequency of bowel habit. It is essential to enquire of the parents as to how regular they are.
Reference:
1) NICE (May 2010). Constipation in children and young people: diagnosis and management
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