Content:
Overview
Content on this page:
Overview
Content on this page:
Overview
Overview
Constipation is an unsatisfactory defecation distinguished by difficult stool passage, infrequent stools or both.
Difficult stool passage may include straining, feeling of difficulty in passing stool, incomplete evacuation, lumpy/hard stools, prolonged time to defecate, need for manual maneuver to pass stool, abdominal discomfort and feeling of anorectal blockade.
Thorough history and physical exam in many cases can rule out most secondary causes of constipation such as colonic diseases (anal fissure, hemorrhoids, cancer, proctitis, stricture), neurologic disorders (spinal cord lesions or injury, parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis), disturbances in metabolism (diabetes mellitus [DM], hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia), drug side effects (antispasmodics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics, calcium channel blockers, iron and calcium supplements, opioids), or other conditions (depression, immobility, cardiac disease, cognitive impairment, scleroderma).
Treatment should be instituted primarily to obtain regular and complete bowel movements and secondarily to palliate symptoms of anorexia, bloating, and abdominal pain.
For further information regarding the management of Constipation in Adults - Chronic Functional, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
Difficult stool passage may include straining, feeling of difficulty in passing stool, incomplete evacuation, lumpy/hard stools, prolonged time to defecate, need for manual maneuver to pass stool, abdominal discomfort and feeling of anorectal blockade.
Thorough history and physical exam in many cases can rule out most secondary causes of constipation such as colonic diseases (anal fissure, hemorrhoids, cancer, proctitis, stricture), neurologic disorders (spinal cord lesions or injury, parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis), disturbances in metabolism (diabetes mellitus [DM], hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia), drug side effects (antispasmodics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics, calcium channel blockers, iron and calcium supplements, opioids), or other conditions (depression, immobility, cardiac disease, cognitive impairment, scleroderma).
Treatment should be instituted primarily to obtain regular and complete bowel movements and secondarily to palliate symptoms of anorexia, bloating, and abdominal pain.
For further information regarding the management of Constipation in Adults - Chronic Functional, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
