Constipation Management Program (iPoop)

Chronic constipation and incontinence are common disorders of childhood, especially around critical times such as toilet training or starting school. Lurie Children’s Constipation Management Program (iPoop) uses up-to-date evidence-based guidelines to treat toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents with chronic constipation. iPoop is intended to consist of two clinic visits whereby our Gastroenterology providers might evaluate children with constipation, build and modify a treatment plan, and then prepare patients and families for an ongoing plan of action to be managed by their Primary Care Provider(s). All plans are formulated to meet a child’s individual needs.


Lurie Children's Difference

iPoop allows a specialist to evaluate your child and formulate an individualized therapy plan for you. In the event that your child has refractory constipation and is in need of advanced testing or care, our providers can easily transition your child into our comprehensive Neurointestinal and Motility Program.

What to Expect

The iPoop Program consists of two different clinic visits. Your visits with our Gastroenterology team, will include:

  • Initial history and physical exam relative to constipation
  • Clean-out instructions, if indicated
  • Your child’s daily medication regimen (with a customized “Constipation Action Plan”)
  • Healthy habits, treatment goals, and warning signs
  • Educational information on the use of polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
  • Re-evaluation of your progress at an 8-week follow-up visit
  • Plan for ongoing care with your Primary Care Provider

Constipation Management Specialists

Peter T. Osgood, MD

Attending Physician, Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

Call 1.800.543.7362

Emily Santolin, APRN-NP, CPNP-PC

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

Call 1.800.543.7362

Additional Resources

For additional resources on constipation management, visit the websites below: 

Research

Our Constipation Management team is in the early stages of evaluating parent/family opinions of chronic constipation and its management as well as the effect of this condition on children and family dynamics.

Learn more about the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition's research program.

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