National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health

Idiopathic childhood constipation

The above guidance produced by NCC-WCH for healthcare professionals on the diagnosis and management of  idiopathic constipation  provides strategies to support early identification, positive diagnosis and timely, effective management of the condition. It also provides information about what information and support should be offered to children and young people, and their parents and families.

Constipation is a common problem and can be a source of considerable anxiety to parents and children. In the United Kingdom, 5% of children between the ages of 4 and 11 years suffer from constipation lasting more than 6 months. Chronic constipation generally develops between the ages of 1 and 4 years and the pattern of bowel movement tends to be established by the age of 4 years although childhood constipation may continue beyond puberty in as many as a third of those followed up beyond this age.

Groups that are addressed in this guideline: Neonates, infants, children and young people presenting to any healthcare professional in the primary or secondary care who are suffering with constipation.

For general enquiries about this guideline please email: enquiries@ncc-wch.org.uk