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.
Why Choose Lurie Children's for Constipation Management?
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
Julie K. Shotwell, APRN-NP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
Emily Santolin, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, IBCLC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
Make an Appointment
We offer several scheduling options for your child's care needs.
Our Location
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Lincoln Park
2515 N. Clark Street/467 W. Deming PlaceChicago, Illinois 60614-3393
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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