Did you know that chronic constipation in children occurs in picky pre-schoolers?

Published in the Journal of Pediatricsthe leads. leads…………………………………..

Researchers from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, USA, found that developing children with chronic constipation have underlying feelings that contribute to their difficulties with toileting behaviors.

Chronic constipation in children

These children are often picky eaters who might be overly sensitive to food textures, tastes, or odours. They also have an exaggerated response to noises, bright lights, or other sensory stimuli.

Senior Author Mark Fishbein, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Associate Professor of Paediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine explains: "Our study is revolutionary, revealing that chronic constipation in young children accompanies heightened sensory sensitivity. "

"In many cases, chronic constipation may be the first hint that the child also has some sensory issues and could benefit from occupational therapy. Feeding problems due to sensory sensitivities are especially common in these children and they are best treated when they are under 5, before becoming maladaptive behaviors become more entrenched. "

Details of the study

In the study, Fishbein and colleagues badessed the differences in sensory processing patterns between 66 children, 3-5 years of age, and 66 consecutive controls.

They also examined how children's sensory profiles relate to atypical toileting behaviors. They determine that chronic constipation in children showed increased responses to sensory stimuli and increased avoidance behaviors.

Heightened oral sensory processing (sensibility processing) has emerged as one of the most important factors in predicting the child's behavior and behavior.

Increased sensory activity can create discomfort

"On the surface, the badociation between oral processing and constipation may not seem intuitive," says Fishbein. "However, increased sensory sensitivity can lead to discomfort and lead to avoidance, and we do not feel comfortable with it. Both feeding problems and constipation may develop as a result of sensory processing difficulties. "

Recognition of the badociation between chronic constipation and clinical sensitivity.

"Conprudes Fishbein," Our Study Offers an Expanded Toolkit to Clinicians Who Care for Children with Chronic Constipation. "Comprehensive care of these children should include consideration of sensory issues and possible referral to occupational therapy."