Peter F. Belamarich, MD, 2016. "Constipation (Chapter 134)", American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care, Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, Henry M. Adam, MD, FAAP, Deborah E. Campbell, MD, FAAP, Thomas G. DeWitt, MD, FAAP, Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP, Deepak M. Kamat, MD, PhD, FAAP, Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, Kelly J. Kelleher, MD, MPH, FAAP
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The term constipation, which denotes both a symptom and a chronic condition, refers to the infrequent elimination of large or hard stools that may cause pain on defecation. In childhood, constipation that is not caused by another condition is known as idiopathic or functional constipation. Given that constipation encompasses both objective and subjective complaints that vary by age, it has defied a comprehensive standard definition. Several consensus groups have developed definitions of constipation; however, none of these definitions seems entirely satisfactory to all.1 One expert consensus definition of constipation is presented in Box 134-1.
Constipation is a...