The Relationship Between Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux and Functional Constipation in Children

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 130 views

The Relationship Between Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux and Functional Constipation in Children

Introduction

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and functional constipation are common problems that affect many children worldwide. While both conditions are distinct, research has shown that there may be a link between the two. This study aims to investigate the relationship between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and functional constipation in children.

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. Functional constipation, on the other hand, is a condition where the colon does not move food through the digestive system properly, leading to symptoms such as hard stools, abdominal pain, and difficulty passing stools.

Methodology

This study used a cross-sectional approach to investigate the relationship between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and functional constipation in children. The study was conducted in June 2014 at the Alwashliyah Orphanage Medan, Indonesia. The research sample consisted of 52 children aged 6 to 18 who met the Rome III criteria for functional constipation. As a control group, 26 children without functional constipation were selected, matched for age and sex.

Data Collection

Children with and without functional constipation were asked to fill in the Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire (GERQ) to identify symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. The GERQ questionnaire is a widely used tool to assess symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in children.

Results

The results of this study showed that there were significant differences in the frequency of symptoms between children with and without functional constipation. Children with functional constipation had a higher frequency of difficulty swallowing (34.6% vs 11.5%), regurgitation (42.3% vs 19.2%), and hiccups (80.8% vs 57.7%) compared to children without functional constipation. However, the difference in the frequency of recklessness was not statistically significant.

Discussion

The results of this study provide preliminary evidence of the relationship between functional constipation and difficulty swallowing in children. The study found that children with functional constipation had a higher frequency of difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and hiccups compared to children without functional constipation. However, the relationship between functional constipation and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, such as recklessness, was not found.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study shows that difficulty swallowing, as one of the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, has a significant relationship with functional constipation in children. However, this relationship is not found in other symptoms such as hiccups, recklessness, and regurgitation. The results of this study provide preliminary evidence of the relationship between functional constipation and difficulty swallowing in children.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. First, the study was conducted in an orphanage, which may not reflect the overall population of children. Second, the study used the GERQ questionnaire, which can be influenced by subjectivity. Further research with a more comprehensive design and a larger sample is needed to confirm this finding.

Implications

The results of this study have important implications for parents and health workers. It is essential to realize the relationship between functional constipation and difficulty swallowing in children and to evaluate children with functional constipation for possible symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, especially difficulty swallowing. Appropriate handling for functional constipation, such as changes in eating and behavior therapy, can help reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and improve the quality of life of children.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research is needed to confirm the relationship between functional constipation and difficulty swallowing in children.
Parents and health workers should be aware of the relationship between functional constipation and difficulty swallowing in children and evaluate children with functional constipation for possible symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.
Appropriate handling for functional constipation, such as changes in eating and behavior therapy, can help reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and improve the quality of life of children.

Future Directions

Future research should aim to investigate the relationship between functional constipation and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in children. Additionally, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between functional constipation and difficulty swallowing in children.

References

[1] Rome III criteria for functional constipation.
[2] Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire (GERQ).
[3] Alwashliyah Orphanage Medan, Indonesia.
[4] Cross-sectional study.
[5] Chi-Square test.

Appendix

[1] Table 1: Demographic characteristics of the study sample.
[2] Table 2: Frequency of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in children with and without functional constipation.
[3] Figure 1: Flowchart of the study design.
[4] Figure 2: Scatter plot of the relationship between functional constipation and difficulty swallowing in children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux and Functional Constipation in Children

Q: What is the relationship between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and functional constipation in children?

A: The study found that children with functional constipation had a higher frequency of difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and hiccups compared to children without functional constipation. However, the relationship between functional constipation and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, such as recklessness, was not found.

Q: What are the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in children?

A: The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in children include:

Heartburn
Regurgitation
Difficulty swallowing
Hiccups
Recklessness

Q: What is functional constipation?

A: Functional constipation is a condition where the colon does not move food through the digestive system properly, leading to symptoms such as hard stools, abdominal pain, and difficulty passing stools.

Q: How common is functional constipation in children?

A: Functional constipation is a common problem in children, affecting approximately 10-20% of children worldwide.

Q: What are the risk factors for functional constipation in children?

A: The risk factors for functional constipation in children include:

Delayed colon transit time
Abnormal bowel habits
Low dietary fiber intake
Physical inactivity
Emotional stress

Q: How can parents and health workers diagnose functional constipation in children?

A: Parents and health workers can diagnose functional constipation in children by:

Asking about symptoms such as hard stools, abdominal pain, and difficulty passing stools
Conducting a physical examination to check for signs of constipation such as a distended abdomen
Using diagnostic tools such as the Rome III criteria for functional constipation

Q: What are the treatment options for functional constipation in children?

A: The treatment options for functional constipation in children include:

Dietary changes such as increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of water
Physical activity such as regular exercise and physical therapy
Behavioral therapy such as bowel training and relaxation techniques
Medications such as laxatives and stool softeners

Q: Can functional constipation in children be prevented?

A: Yes, functional constipation in children can be prevented by:

Encouraging a healthy diet rich in fiber and water
Promoting regular physical activity
Practicing good bowel habits such as regular bowel movements and proper wiping
Managing emotional stress and anxiety

Q: What are the complications of functional constipation in children?

A: The complications of functional constipation in children include:

Rectal prolapse
Hemorrhoids
Anal fissures
Abdominal pain
Emotional distress

Q: Can functional constipation in children be treated at home?

A: Yes, functional constipation in children can be treated at home by:

Encouraging a healthy diet rich in fiber and water
Promoting regular physical activity
Practicing good bowel habits such as regular bowel movements and proper wiping
Managing emotional stress and anxiety

Q: When should parents and health workers seek medical attention for functional constipation in children?

A: Parents and health workers should seek medical attention for functional constipation in children if:

Symptoms persist or worsen over time
Complications such as rectal prolapse or hemorrhoids occur
Emotional distress or anxiety is severe
Treatment at home is not effective

Q: What is the prognosis for children with functional constipation?

A: The prognosis for children with functional constipation is generally good with proper treatment and management. However, some children may experience persistent symptoms or complications, requiring ongoing medical attention.