The Effect of Probiotics on Constipation, and Intestinal Microflora in Children With Functional Constipation

Inclusion Criteria: Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for functional constipation for children aged 6 months - 4 years old is as the following: 1. Two or fewer defecations per week. 2. At least one episode per week of incontinence after acquiring toileting skills. 3. History of excessive stool retention. 4. History of painful or hard bowel movements. 5. Presence of a large fecal mass in the rectum. 6. History of large-diameter stools that may obstruct the toilet. Children aged 6 months - 4 years old is evaluated as functional constipation if two of the situations mentioned above lasted for one month. Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for functional constipation for children aged 4 years old and above is as the following: 1. Two or fewer defecations in the toilet per week. 2. At least one episode of fecal incontinence per week. 3. History of retentive posturing or excessive volitional stool retention. 4. History of painful or hard bowel movements. 5. Presence of a large fecal mass in the rectum. 6. History of large diameter stools that may obstruct the toilet. Children aged 4 years old and above is evaluated as functional constipation if two of the situations mentioned above happens at least once per week Exclusion Criteria: 1. gastroesophageal reflux disease 2. inflammatory bowel disease 3. cardiopulmonary diseases 4. liver disease 5. renal disease 6. genetic diseases 7. endocrinal diseases 8. received abdominal surgeries