The expert functional definition of paediatric constipation arrises from the Paris Consensus on Childhood Constipation Terminology (PACCT) Group:
They have defined constipation as the presence of 2 or more of the following , during the last 8 weeks:
- Frequency of bowel movements less than three per week
- More than one episode of fecal incontinence per week
- Large stools in the rectum or palpable on abdominal examination
- Passing of stools so large that they obstruct the toilet
- Retentive posturing and withholding behavior
- Painful defecation
The PACCT group offered these and other definitions to facilitate discussions for the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for Childhood Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders .