Constipation _- Definition, Causes & Treatment _Patient Education _Med Today

Constipation is actually a symptom, rather than a disease. Generally defined as when bowel movements occur 3 or fewer times a week, that are difficult to pass.
According to the Rome 4 criteria for constipation, a patient must have experienced at least two of the following symptoms over the preceding 6 months.
Fewer than 3 spontaneous bowel movements per week.
Straining for more than 25% of defecation attempts.
Lumpy, or hard stools for at least 25% of defecation attempts.
Sensation of anal or rectal obstruction or blockage for at least 25% of defecation attempts.
Sensation of incomplete defecation for at least 25% of defecation attempts. Manual maneuvering required to defecate for at least 25% of defecation attempts.

There are many causes for constipation. General ones include Low fiber diet; And immobility. Metabolic, and endocrine causes are, Diabetes; Hypothyroidism; And porphyria. Certain drugs can also cause constipation. Including opiates; Calcium channel blockers; Antidepressants; Iron; And anti muscarinic agents. Neurological causes of constipation include spinal cord lesions; And Parkinson’s disease.
Psychological causes of constipation are, depression; Anorexia nervosa; And repressed urge to defecate. Any gastro intestinal disease can cause constipation. Common ones include, Intestinal obstruction; Colon cancer; Anal fissures; And Diverticular disease.
In order to treat constipation, first, any underlying disease should be treated. In addition, increasing the fiber content of the diet; And increasing fluid intake will help soften the stools and propel them more easily through the digestive tract. In some cases, laxatives may also be needed.

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