Constipation pathophysiology
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Overview
The underlying pathophysiology of constipation involves several processes such as hardening of the stool, paralysis or slow transit, constriction in the lower gastrointestinal system or psychomotor factors.
Pathophysiology
- Hardening of the feces: Improper mastication, low dietary fiber, dehydration and medications (aluminium, calcium, diuretic, iron).
- Paralysis or slowed transit: Hypothyroidism, hypokalemia, injured anal sphincter, medications (loperamide, codeine, morphine, tricyclic antidepressants) and severe systemic illness due to other causes.
- Constriction, where part of the intestine or rectum is narrowed or blocked: Diverticulosis, pelvic masses and stenosis.
- Psychosomatic constipation: Functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.[1]
References
- ↑ Caldarella MP, Milano A, Laterza F; et al. (2005). "Visceral sensitivity and symptoms in patients with constipation- or diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): effect of a low-fat intraduodenal infusion". Am. J. Gastroenterol. 100 (2): 383–9. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.40100.x. PMID 15667496.