Preschoolers with chronic constipation tend to be difficult

In the first study of its kind in the United States, researchers found that preschool children with chronic constipation and normal development have underlying sensory problems that make them more difficult to adopt. These children are often difficult to pick and may be overly sensitive to the textures, tastes or odors of foods. They may also have an exaggerated response to noises, bright lights, or other sensory stimuli. The results were published in the Journal of Pediatrics.

"Our study is groundbreaking and reveals that chronic constipation in young children accompanies increased sensory sensitivity," says lead author Mark Fishbein, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Hospital in Chicago and Associate Professor Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School. of medicine. "In many cases, chronic constipation could be the first clue that the child also has sensory problems and could benefit from occupational therapy." The feeding problems due to sensory sensitivity are particularly common in these patients. children are better treated when children are under 5, before maladaptive behaviors become more entrenched. "

In this study, Dr. Fishbein and colleagues evaluated differences in sensory processing patterns between 66 children aged 3 to 5 years with chronic constipation and a matched group of 66 controls. They also examined the correlation between children's sensory profiles and atypical toilet behaviors. They determined that children with chronic constipation exhibited an increased response to sensory stimuli and increased avoidance behaviors. Increased oral sensory processing (sensitivity to textures, tastes or odors in foods) has emerged as the most important factor in predicting the child's tendency to behaviors such as not storing bowel movements or avoid the toilets in general.

"On the surface, the badociation between oral treatment and constipation may not seem intuitive," says Dr. Fishbein. "However, increased sensory sensitivity can create discomfort and lead to avoidance, and we see this response in both the refusal to eat and in the toilet behaviors of children with chronic constipation." 39, diet and constipation can develop as a result of sensory processing difficulties. "

Recognition of the link between chronic constipation and sensory sensitivity could transform clinical practice.

"Our study offers a tool kit extended to clinicians who care for children with chronic constipation," said Dr. Fishbein. "The full management of these children should include consideration of sensory problems and a possible reference to occupational therapy."

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Provided by
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago