Overview of recent-onset functional constipation in children

* Functional constipation is defined by the presence of at least 2 of 6 symptoms describing stool frequency, hardness, size, fecal incontinence, or volitional stool retention for at least 1 month, as outlined by the Rome IV consensus criteria.
¶ Alarm symptoms and signs suggest the possibility of an underlying organic cause of constipation, including Hirschsprung disease, neurologic abnormalities, or other congenital anomalies. For details, refer to the UpToDate topic review on evaluation of constipation in infants and children, and the related table describing alarm signs.
Δ A radiopaque marker study is also known as an oro-anal or colonic transit study. A protocol is described in the UpToDate content on evaluation of constipation in children.