Chronic constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in childhood and may negatively affect not only intestinal function but also overall physical development. The present study aimed to comprehensively evaluate height and weight growth dynamics in children with constipation and to determine deviations from age-related anthropometric standards1,2,3. The study was conducted in Fergana between 2019 and 2023 and included 102 children aged 1–18 years with chronic constipation. Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory assessments were performed, and the obtained indicators were compared with WHO growth standards using the Z-score system. Dynamic follow-up over a three-year period demonstrated that children with constipation had significantly lower height and weight indicators compared with normative values, particularly in severe and long-standing cases4,5,6. Additional findings included decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort, and micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron and zinc deficiency. The results suggest that chronic constipation contributes to impaired physical development through complex interactions involving intestinal microbiota imbalance, reduced nutrient absorption, metabolic disturbances, hormonal dysregulation, and psychoemotional factors mediated by the gut–brain axis7,8,9.
Nasiba Rahmatjonovna Isaqova (Wed,) studied this question.