Diagnostyka i leczenie czynnościowego zaparcia stolca u dzieci ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem czynnościowej retencji stolca

Chronic functional constipation has become one of the most prevalent disorders in childhood population; every doctor encounters it in his/her daily practice. Its frequency is estimated at about 5% of all paediatric consultations and 25-30% of those given on both gastrointestinal wards and outpatient departments. The etiopathology of constipation is not clearly recognized, presumably it is multifactorial. Great majority of constipation is functional in origin, therefore its diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and physical examination. Irrespective of the above, it is always essential to conduct a thoughtful differential diagnosis. Obstipation treatment, dietetic-, pharmacological-psychological treatment has its grounds in long-term observation and experience. Clinical failures in treating children suffering from constipation largely result from ignoring pathophysiology of obstipation, along with incorrect medical management. Children with chronic constipation require long-term medical monitoring due to the possibility of recurrence of the ailment and/or its continuation after adolescence. This study gives an insight into modern methods of diagnosis and ways of treating functional obstipation in children.