Outlook

• Acute constipation can be corrected easily. After dehydration or illness improves, bowel function improves.
  
  
• Chronic constipation, however, often requires long-term therapy with oral medication. Most children respond to therapy and are off medications within a year. Relapses can be common, however, especially if the child or parents do not follow the doctor's instructions or medical intervention is not present. If therapy fails, the child may need to see a pediatric gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in the stomach and intestines).