Influence of constipation complications on pediatric patient quality of life: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the influence of complications arising from childhood functional constipation on the quality of life of pediatric patients and their parents/guardians. Methods: The present study refers to an integrative literature review carried out in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar databases using a previously determined search key. After a careful search and selection, 22 articles were chosen to compose this review. Results: Functional constipation in children is influenced by gastrointestinal and psychological factors, which, in turn, are interrelated, acting as causes, consequences and causing complications that can affect the individual's quality of life. In fact, it has been shown that constipation can lead to stressful events such as irritability, decreased school performance, dysfunctional family relationships, worries and anxieties that affect the whole family, among many other implications. In addition to the occurrence of organic alterations and the possibility of persistence into adulthood. Final considerations: In view of the above, therefore, childhood constipation must be valued and treated properly in order to avoid such negative and significant effects on the quality of life of those involved. However, further studies are still needed to promote a greater coverage of the topic and minimize these complications in quality of life.