Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

Background: Infant dyschezia, manifested by straining and fussing associated with the passage of otherwise unremarkable soft stools is one of the childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders defined by the Rome Pediatric Working Group. At present, studies as well as awareness of primary physicians on this topic is limited. Objective: To determine the prevalence and clinical profile of infant dyschezia among patients seen in selected health facilities in Metro Manila. Methods: This is a prospective cross sectional study conducted among healthy infants 1 to 6 months of age who followed up in several health facilities in Metro Manila from May until August 2014. A validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Stool consistency was classified using the Bristol Stool Chart. Results: A total of 350 subjects 1 to 6 months old were included. All infants have normal weight for length. Fifty eight subjects fulfilled the Rome III criteria for Infant Dyschezia. There was no significant association on the presence of infant dyschezia to the subjects��? age and sex. On the other hand, the risk for infant dyschezia was 5x higher among subjects who had mixed feeding (OR=4.69; 95% CI=1.96-11.24) and 9x higher among subjects who were exclusively formula fed (OR=8.85; 95% CI=4.17- 19.00). Twenty two subjects screamed during bowel movement while 25 had faces becoming red or purple. Thirty eight of them had daily bowel movement. Fifty seven subjects had interventions done like changing body position, digital rectal assistance or adding water in the milk to assist bowel movement. Six of the respondents gave their infants stool softeners once per week. Conclusion: The prevalence of infant dyschezia in this study was 16.6%. Type of feeding was significantly associated with infant dyschezia; the risk was higher among those who were either formula or mixed fed than those who were fully breastfed. Moreover, screaming during bowel movement and face becoming red/purple were also significantly noted among those with dyschezia.

Biography

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