Constipation

Question 1

Definition of constipation

Answer 1

Infrequent or irregular passage of unduly hard stools

Question 2

Definition of fecal loading

Answer 2

Ineffective and incomplete evacuation of stools resulting in build up

Question 3

Definition of encopresis

Answer 3

Apparently wilful passage of normal consistency stool into underclothes

Question 4

Definition of soiling

Answer 4

Involuntary leakage of small amounts of soft or watery stool secondary to faecal loading and rectal distention

Question 5

Causes of functional constipation

Answer 5

• dietetic
• behavioural
• psychogenic
• malfunctions of bowel, muscle or sphincter

Question 6

Causes of organic constipation

Answer 6

• demonstrable pathology
• developmental anomalies
• mechanical impediments
• metabolic disturbances

Question 7

Causes of constipation in a newborn

Answer 7

• intestinal obstruction (atresias)
• CF
• Hirschsprung’s disease

Question 8

Causes of constipation in early infancy

Answer 8

• misdiagnosis of normal infrequent breastfeeding stools
• hypothyroidism
• Hirschsprung’s disease
• mental retardation
• dehydration
• anal fissure

Question 9

Causes of constipation in toddler

Answer 9

• toilet training stage
• transient constipation
• acute constipation
• mental handicap

Question 10

Causes of constipation in a school-going child

Answer 10

• change in environment/privacy
• side effects of medication
• earlier causes not well managed
• inactivity

Question 11

Presentation of constipation

Answer 11

• male predominance
• soiling
• abdo pain
• abdo distension
• anal fissure
• UTI

Question 12

Management of constipation

Answer 12

• defining
• explaining
• clearing
• training
• maintaining
• weaning
• prevention