Constipation overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Constipation''' or '''irregularity''', is a condition of the [[digestive system]] where a person (or animal) experiences hard [[feces]] that are difficult to [[defecation|egest]]. It may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (''fecal impaction'') lead to symptoms of [[bowel obstruction]]. The term '''obstipation''' is used for severe constipation. Causes of constipation may be [[diet (nutrition)|dietary]], [[hormone|hormonal]], anatomical, a side effect of [[medication]]s (e.g. some [[analgesic|painkillers]]), or an illness or disorder. Treatments consist of changes in dietary and [[exercise]] habits, the use of laxatives, and other medical interventions depending on the underlying cause. | '''Constipation''' or '''irregularity''', is a condition of the [[digestive system]] where a person (or animal) experiences hard [[feces]] that are difficult to [[defecation|egest]]. It may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (''fecal impaction'') lead to symptoms of [[bowel obstruction]]. The term '''obstipation''' is used for severe constipation. Causes of constipation may be [[diet (nutrition)|dietary]], [[hormone|hormonal]], anatomical, a side effect of [[medication]]s (e.g. some [[analgesic|painkillers]]), or an illness or disorder. Treatments consist of changes in dietary and [[exercise]] habits, the use of laxatives, and other medical interventions depending on the underlying cause. | ||
==Historical Perspective== | |||
==Classification== | |||
==Pathophysiology== | |||
==Causes== | |||
==Differentiating {{PAGENAME}} from Other Diseases== | |||
==Epidemiology and Demographics== | |||
==Risk Factors== | |||
==Screening== | |||
==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis== | |||
===Natural History=== | |||
===Complications=== | |||
===Prognosis=== | |||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
===History and Symptoms=== | ===History and Symptoms=== | ||
When the stool is hard, infrequent, and requires significant effort to pass, you have constipation. The passage of large, wide stools may tear the mucosal membrane of the anus, especially in children. This can cause bleeding and the possibility of an anal fissure. | |||
===Physical Examination=== | |||
===Laboratory Findings=== | |||
===Abdominal X Ray=== | ===Abdominal X Ray=== | ||
[[X-ray]]s of the abdomen, generally only performed on hospitalized patients or if bowel obstruction is suspected, may reveal impacted fecal matter in the colon, and confirm or rule out other causes of similar symptoms. | |||
===CT=== | |||
===MRI=== | |||
===Ultrasound=== | ===Ultrasound=== | ||
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In alternative and traditional medicine, [[enema|colonic irrigation]], enemas, exercise, diet and herbs are used to treat constipation. | In alternative and traditional medicine, [[enema|colonic irrigation]], enemas, exercise, diet and herbs are used to treat constipation. | ||
===Surgery=== | |||
===Prevention=== | |||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist|2}} | |||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
Revision as of 19:02, 29 June 2016
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Constipation |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Constipation or irregularity, is a condition of the digestive system where a person (or animal) experiences hard feces that are difficult to egest. It may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (fecal impaction) lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction. The term obstipation is used for severe constipation. Causes of constipation may be dietary, hormonal, anatomical, a side effect of medications (e.g. some painkillers), or an illness or disorder. Treatments consist of changes in dietary and exercise habits, the use of laxatives, and other medical interventions depending on the underlying cause.
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Constipation overview from Other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Natural History
Complications
Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
When the stool is hard, infrequent, and requires significant effort to pass, you have constipation. The passage of large, wide stools may tear the mucosal membrane of the anus, especially in children. This can cause bleeding and the possibility of an anal fissure.
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Abdominal X Ray
X-rays of the abdomen, generally only performed on hospitalized patients or if bowel obstruction is suspected, may reveal impacted fecal matter in the colon, and confirm or rule out other causes of similar symptoms.
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Ultrasound may be used to detect tumors, fibroids, ovarian cysts or pregnancy
Treatment
Medical Therapy
In people without medical problems, the main intervention is to increase the intake of fluids (preferablywater) and dietary fiber. The latter may be achieved by consuming more vegetables and fruit and whole meal bread, and by adding linseeds to one's diet. The routine non-medical use of laxatives is to be discouraged as this may result in bowel action becoming dependent upon their use. Enemas can be used to provide a form of mechanical stimulation.
In alternative and traditional medicine, colonic irrigation, enemas, exercise, diet and herbs are used to treat constipation.