Comorbidity of headache and functional constipation in children: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background/Aims: Constipation and headache are prevalent conditions among children worldwide. Previous studies have shown the relationship between upper gastrointestinal complaints and headache in children. However, the association with lower gastrointestinal complaints such as constipation has not been investigated until present. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between headache and chronic functional constipation in children aged 4-12 years old. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study has evaluated the prevalence of headache in 326 children in Shiraz, Iran 2012. All the subjects and their parents were interviewed based on a structured questionnaire for the diagnosis of constipation and headache. Children with constipation were selected from the Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic Affiliated to the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The control group was selected from healthy children attending Shiraz schools. Diagnosis of headache and constipation were made based on the second Edition of The International Headache Classification (ICHD-2) and ROME III criteria, respectively. Results: Headache prevalence among children with constipation was significantly higher (19.8%) than that of the control group (5.6%) [Odds ratio (OR) 4.192, p<0.001], which was significant only in the non-migraine headache subtypes (15.1% vs 2.8%, OR 25, p<0.002). Among the headache subtypes of different severity (mild, moderate, severe), only mild headache was significantly more prevalent in constipated children (14.9% vs. 1.4%, in the control group, respectively, p<0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed a strong correlation between headache and chronic functional constipation, which can result from the effect of these comorbid conditions with emotional stress, depression, and anxiety.

Incontinence and headache in preschool children

“…Some studies focus on headache and gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, children with constipation (mean age, 9.6 years) had a significantly higher rate of headaches (19.8%) than controls (5.6%) in the study of Inaloo et al However, they were primarily affected by mild headaches. In our study, 12.1% of children had significantly more often headaches than controls (2.6%).…”

“…7.7% (45) of children had NE, 2.4% (14) DUI, 1.2% FI (7) and 9.4% (54) any type of incontinence (Table 1). Constipation was reported in 4.0% (23). Boys were significantly more affected by total incontinence, NE and DUI; girls had significantly higher rates of constipation (Table 1).…”

Case Study of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd) v/ S Migraine: Do They Mingle or Is It a Myth.

“…Patients with chronic migraine have headaches on at least 15 days a month, with at least 8 days a month on which their headaches meet up with associated symptoms (23,36) . Chronic migraine places an enormous burden on patients owing to frequent headaches with aura and typically develops after a slow increase in headache frequency over months to years (10,19,41) . Though knowing both the pros and cons of both the conditions, as per the study; following evaluation of patients were done.…”

Dry Cupping in Children With Functional Constipation: A Randomized Open Label Clinical Trial

“…The children with diagnosis of functional constipation based on Rome III criteria (Inaloo et al, 2014), for at least 3 months before diagnosis and age between 4-18 years old were considered for inclusion in the study. Children having the Rome III criteria for Inflammatory bowel disease or organic causes of defecation disorders such as Hirschsprung's disease, spina bifida occulta, hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, neurologic abnormalities, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study.…”

“…Constipation is a common disease that compromises 3-5% of a pediatrician's visits (Inaloo et al, 2014). The highest prevalence is at preschool ages with similar sex ratio (van den Berg et al, 2006).…”