National primary care clinical pathway for constipation in children

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This national primary care clinical pathway for constipation in children guidance supports clinicians in the prevention and management of constipation in children and young people by providing a clear and standardised approach, based on guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the British National Formulary for Children (BNFc) and clinical expert groups. The pathway promotes available resources for clinicians, families and other care providers and ensures they are easily accessible, as well as raises the profile of constipation in children and young people with a learning disability as a factor in adult mortality rates.

As well as this, there are other resources available to watch or download, including short videos and a printable poster. This work was produced in collaboration with NHS England – South West, ERIC – The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity, Bladder and Bowel UK, West of England Academic Health Science Network and the National Network of Parent Carer Forums – South West.

Document

National clinical constipation pathway for primary care for children

National clinical constipation pathway for primary care for children

  • PDF
  • 673 KB
  • 14 pages

Summary

PDF version.

Updated 7 March 2023.

Link

National clinical constipation pathway for primary care for children

National clinical constipation pathway for primary care for children

NHS England is not responsible for content on external websites.

Summary

Accessible version.

Document

'Principles of management for primary care for constipation in children' infographic

'Principles of management for primary care for constipation in children' infographic

  • PDF
  • 884 KB
  • 1 pages

Summary

PDF version.

Updated 7 March 2023.

Link

'Principles of management for primary care for constipation in children' infographic

'Principles of management for primary care for constipation in children' infographic

NHS England is not responsible for content on external websites.

Summary

Accessible version.

Media

  • Running time: 00:04:05

Summary

Introduction and overview to constipation in children

Constipation in children is very common – 1 in 3 children will suffer – but it is often not recognised and even when it is, it is poorly managed. Watch this short video for a clear explanation of constipation which can be used with parents and children.

Media

  • Running time: 00:01:36

Summary

Recognising the symptoms of constipation

This short video talks about how we can help parents recognise when their child is constipated using the Poo Checker.

Media

  • Running time: 00:01:57

Summary

Treating constipation

We have covered what constipation is, how easily it can happen and how to recognise the signs of constipation in children.

This video goes onto explain the main messages around treating childhood constipation, including:

  1. Constipation will not go away on its own; children do NOT grow out of it. Treatment is essential.
  2. Parents might think that treatment includes changing the child’s diet, increasing fluids, getting plenty of exercise or sitting on the toilet more often. HOWEVER, these are all ways to promote a healthy bowel – not treatments for constipation.
  3. Constipation in children should be treated with laxatives first line, in accordance with NICE guidance.

So, what should families be advised to do? Watch this video to find out.

Media

  • Running time: 00:02:22

Summary

How to use macrogol laxatives

This video advises how to use macrogol laxatives. First – how do macrogol laxatives work? Secondly, how much laxative should be given? And lastly, how do we encourage children to take the laxatives? Watch and share this video to help empower parents to manage macrogol laxatives effectively for their children.

Media

  • Running time: 00:04:11

Summary

Keeping bowels healthy and getting poo in the loo

This is the last in the video series and talks about how to keep bowel healthy and getting the poo in the loo (potty training). Check it out for tips, tricks and lots of resources.

Media

  • Running time: 00:04:42

Summary

Managing constipation in children with a learning disability

The prevalence of constipation is much higher in children with additional needs – this video outlines why that may be and how to manage constipation in children with a learning disability.