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 Constipation In Children a Serious Cost and Health Issue
Source: Nationwidechildrens.org Date:12/8/08
According to
new research conducted at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the burden of illness
in children suffering from constipation, and the costs associated with this
condition,
are roughly of the same magnitude as those for asthma and attention
deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
These findings are a result of a study involving gastroenterologists and
researchers at Nationwide Children’s to estimate the health care utilization
and cost for children with constipation in the United States. The study,
available online at PubMed.gov, is slated for publication in The Journal of
Pediatrics in early 2009.
Using a
nationally representative survey, clinicians and researchers analyzed data of
children under 18 years of age who were diagnosed with constipation or prescribed
a laxative over two-consecutive years (2003 and 2004).
Results
showed that children with constipation used more health services than children
without the condition, amounting to an additional cost of $3.9 billion each
year for children with constipation. Despite this amplified cost impact and its
prevalence during childhood, constipation has not received the amount of
attention in public health campaigns that similarly occurring asthma and ADHD
have.
“Despite being considered by many a relatively benign condition, childhood
constipation has been shown to be associated with a significantly decreased
quality of life,” said the study’s author, Carlo Di Lorenzo, MD, chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Nationwide
Children’s and faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
“The day-to-day struggle caused by constipation can often be emotionally
devastating, and can also have an impact on the overall health and well-being
of affected children and their families.”
Researchers and clinicians hope that health care utilization and cost estimates
revealed in this study can boost awareness of childhood constipation, awareness
that could result in earlier treatment.
“In many cases, constipation in children can be prevented or corrected through
dietary and behavioral changes," said Hayat Mousa, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Nationwide
Children’s Hospital and a faculty member at The Ohio State University College
of Medicine. “Parents should talk to their children about their bathroom habits
and make sure they are having a bowel movement at least every other day. For
mild cases of constipation, prune or apple juice, high-fiber cereal, or
over-the-counter softeners or laxatives made for children may help. If the
problem persists, parents should seek the advice of a medical professional.”
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