Constipation

Constipation - What it is

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints worldwide. Virtually everyone will experience constipation at some point in their life.

Constipation is generally defined as having less than three bowel movements per week. Stools are usually hard, dry and difficult to expel. Some people experience pain from straining during bowel movements and may also experience bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Constipation is a symptom and not a disease. In the vast majority of cases, it is temporary and not serious. Occasionally, it can be a sign of more serious underlying diseases and will warrant further investigations.

Constipation - Symptoms

Constipation - How to prevent?

Constipation - Causes and Risk Factors

Excessive or inadequate fibre and liquids in the diet
Lack of physical activity
Certain medications
Changes in lifestyle (e.g. pregnancy and travel)
Colorectal diseases
Irritable bowel syndrome
Neurological diseases

Constipation - Diagnosis

Tests performed depend on the duration and severity of the patient’s symptoms. Patients above the age of 50 should undergo an evaluation of the colon, e.g. colonoscopy, to exclude colorectal cancer.

In patients where the routine tests are normal but remain symptomatic, the following tests will be offered to assess the anal muscle tone, time for stools to empty and the completeness of stool emptying:

Anorectal manometry
Colonic transit marker study
Defaecating proctogram

Constipation - Treatments

Treatment depends on the cause, severity and duration of the patient’s constipation. All patients will receive conservative treatment with a combination of:

Dietary and lifestyle modifications
Laxatives

Only if the above do not yield significant improvements will more specialized treatment be offered in a graduated fashion, including:

Biofeedback exercises
Surgical correction of abnormal colonic movements (eg. rectopexy)
Surgical removal of the entire colon where all other treatment has failed

Constipation - Preparing for surgery

Constipation - Post-surgery care

Constipation - Other Information

Overview

Article contributed by Pelvic Floor Disorders Service, Singapore General Hospital; Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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