Children ≥4 years: ≥2 criteria at least once weekly for ≥1 month, without meeting IBS criteria.
The Rome IV — Functional Constipation is a GI & Liver scoring tool used in paediatric practice. Children ≥4 years: ≥2 criteria at least once weekly for ≥1 month, without meeting IBS criteria. It scores 6 criteria and interprets the total across 2 bands, so the number always arrives with the severity it implies rather than on its own. In PediAid each criterion is shown as a labelled option with the weight it carries, so the total can be checked rather than taken on trust.
6. They are ≤ 2 defaecations in the toilet per week; At least one episode of faecal incontinence per week; History of retentive posturing or excessive volitional stool retention; History of painful or hard bowel movements; Presence of a large faecal mass in the rectum; History of large-diameter stools that can obstruct the toilet.
The total is interpreted as: any score - Criteria not met: fewer than 2 criteria - Rome IV functional constipation not met. Reassess symptoms and consider other causes; 2 criteria or more - Criteria met: ≥2 criteria fulfilled for at least 1 month - functional constipation. Treat with disimpaction if needed, maintenance laxatives (PEG first line), toilet training and dietary advice.
No. It is a structured way to record and communicate severity. A clinician concerned about a child should act on that concern regardless of the total.
For children <4 years the same criteria apply but require ≥1 month duration with ≥2 criteria (developmental age-appropriate).
Yes. Score definitions are bundled with the PediAid app, so the score computes without a connection.