Management of Constipation in the Emergency Department

Children with acute cute constipation commonly present to the emergency department, frequently without a known diagnosis. Differentiating patients with acute abdominal pain due to constipation from other significant diagnoses such as appendicitis and intussusception is essential. The clinician must carefully examine and selectively investigate some cases in order to come to the correct diagnosis. Treatment advances in recent years has helped to better manage this condition, which was previously treated with limited evidence to guide therapeutic interventions. The emergency physician must seek evidence of fecal impaction in order to successfully treat these patients. This article reviews the causes, clinical presentation, and acute management of constipation in children presenting to the emergency department.