Constipation is a widespread problem in pediatric practice, affecting almost 30% of pediatric population. As much as 90-95% of constipation cases have a functional basis, and although the pathogenesis of functional constipation remains unclear, its etiology is considered to be multifactorial. Its growing prevalence has been attributed to the occurrence of disorders in the homeostasis of gastrointestinal microbiota. In humans, the best known microbiome is that of the intestines, which has been the subject of a number of studies based on recognition of the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Microbiota are believed to influence the pathogenesis of functional constipation by affecting peristalsis, relationship with diet, and physical activity. The paper evaluates the role of intestinal microbiota in functional constipation and describes its contribution to the onset of disease. Determining the importance of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of functional constipation creates hope for the development of new prevention and treatment methods.
Keywords: 16S rRNA; childhood; microbiota; peristalsis.