Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
Share the Article
Pan Y, Jiao FY. Addressing functional constipation in children: A call for comprehensive and collaborative management. World J Gastroenterol 2025; 31(7): 98889 [PMID: 39991672 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i7.98889]
World J Gastroenterol. Feb 21, 2025; 31(7): 98889 Published online Feb 21, 2025. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i7.98889
Addressing functional constipation in children: A call for comprehensive and collaborative management
Yan Pan, Fu-Yong Jiao
Yan Pan, Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, Hubei Province, China
Fu-Yong Jiao, Shaanxi Kawasaki Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Children's Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong Univeristy, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
Author contributions: Jiao FY designed the research study; Pan Y designed the research study, performed the research, contributed new reagents and analytic tools, analyzed the data, wrote the manuscript, read and approve the final manuscript.
Supported by The Hubei Pediatric Alliance Medical Research Project, No. HPAMRP202117.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Corresponding author: Fu-Yong Jiao, PhD, Senior Scientist, Shaanxi Kawasaki Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Children's Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong Univeristy, No. 256 Youyi West Road, Beilin District, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China. 3105089948@qq.com
Received: July 8, 2024 Revised: December 12, 2024 Accepted: December 26, 2024 Published online: February 21, 2025 Processing time: 195 Days and 18.2 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Functional constipation is the most common gastrointestinal disorder in children, affecting 14.4% globally. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach involving child-oriented toilet training and the use of osmotic laxatives, particularly polyethylene glycol. Emerging therapies such as probiotics and serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonists show promise but need further research. Lifestyle modifications, including adequate fiber and fluid intake and physiotherapy, support treatment. For intractable cases, a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatric specialists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and psychologists is essential to address both physical and psychological aspects, thereby improving the quality of life for affected children and their families.
