What is Chronic Constipation?

 Chronic Constipation

Constipation is a term used to describe infrequent or fewer hard bowel movements (<3 week). In many cases the problem may become persistent and affect the quality of life of the patient.

The clinical features associated with constipation include: - 

1. Reduced frequency (<3 times per week)
 2. Hardened consistency
 3. Excessive straining required to evacuate bowel 
4. Manual removal of stool needed 5. Feeling of passing or having ‘incomplete bowel movement’

Causes 


1. Sedentary lifestyle or inadequate physical activity
2. Functional constipation 
3. Lack of fiber in diet
4. Inadequate consumption of water 
5. Medication side effect 
6. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) 
7. Endocrinal disorders like hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus
8. Electrolyte disturbances


Evaluation 




A number of tests need to be done to find the cause; however, in some cases the cause may not be established. Some of the tests are described below

 1. Complete blood counts, electrolytes, blood glucose and thyroid 
2. Colonoscopy 
3. Sigmoidoscopy
4. Anorectal manometry 
5. Colonic transit study Depending on the evaluation, the cause can be found and further management can be instituted.

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