Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology. Supplement
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Scand. J. Gastroenterol. Suppl. · Jan 2004
ReviewChildren with constipation: what happens to them when they grow up?
Constipation and soiling are common complaints in childhood and often cause distress to the children and their parents. The treatment for these symptoms is oral and sometimes rectal laxatives or behavioural therapy. ⋯ A recent long-term follow-up study in The Netherlands showed that 30% of the children followed beyond puberty continued to have severe complaints of constipation such as a low defecation frequency and soiling. Long-lasting support and the development of improved therapeutic regimens are necessary to treat these difficult patients more effectively.