Aetiology of constipation in infants and children

Causes of constipation in infants and children may be caused include:

• hypothyroidism
  
  
• functional or idiopathic constipation
  
  
• encopresis
  
  
• anal fissure
  
  
• meconium ileus equivalent
  
  
• severe vomiting
  
  
• polyuria - causing dehydration in conditions such as diabetes insipidus or diabetes mellitus
  
  
• lead-poisoning
  
  
• congenital absence of abdominal muscles - Prune Belly syndrome
  
  
• cow's milk intolerance

Constipation may occur if there is inadequate food or fluid intake, while children who drink a lot of milk may have hard stools that are difficult to pass (1).

Reference:

• (1) Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (2000), 38 (8), 57-60.