Constipation: Introduction
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Questions and Answers

How is constipation generally defined?

  • Having more than 3 bowel movements per week
  • Having a bowel movement only once a month
  • Having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week that are characterized by straining and the difficult passage of hard, dry stools (correct)
  • Having a constant urge to have a bowel movement

    • What is a characteristic of constipation?

  • Passing loose, watery stools
  • Feeling hungry all the time
  • Having a bowel movement every hour
  • Passing hard, dry stools (correct)

    • What is a primary cause of constipation?

  • Eating too much fiber
  • Having a UTI
  • Inadequate intake of fluids
  • Slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract (correct)

    • What is a result of the abnormally slow movement of feces through the colon?

    <p>Accumulation in the descending colon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is essential for eliminating stools?

    <p>Intestinal fluids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can contribute to diet-related constipation?

    <p>A diet that is low in calories, carbohydrates, or fiber</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of dehydration?

    <p>Constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a effect of dietary fiber on the intestines?

    <p>It dissolves or swells in the intestinal fluid, which increases the bulk of fecal mass and, in turn, aids in stimulating peristalsis and eliminating stools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a factor that aids in proper bowel function?

    <p>Good abdominal muscle tone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of ignoring the urge to empty the bowel?

    <p>Degeneration of nerve pathways</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following medications is likely to induce constipation?

    <p>Antacids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common reason for self-care laxative use?

    <p>Opioid-induced constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a symptom of constipation?

    <p>Anorexia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can help establish a pattern of regular bowel movements?

    <p>Bowel retraining</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a lifestyle characteristic that can contribute to constipation?

    <p>Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a factor that can increase bowel motility?

    <p>Exercise</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of treating constipation?

    <p>To relieve constipation and reestablish normal bowel function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible complication of straining to pass hard stool?

    <p>Hemorrhoids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of chronic constipation?

    <p>Constipation that lasts for several weeks to months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a non-pharmacological treatment for constipation?

    <p>Adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can occur if hard stool is packed very tightly in the rectum or intestine?

    <p>Rectal ulcers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can straining to defecate result in?

    <p>Blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fecal impaction is a complication of straining to defecate.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Increasing fluid intake is a non-pharmacological treatment for constipation.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Rectal bleeding is a result of hemorrhoids.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The primary goal of treating constipation is to relieve symptoms.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Exercise is not a treatment for constipation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Constipation continuing over several weeks to months is considered acute.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Constipation is usually characterized by having more than 3 bowel movements per week.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dietary fiber reduces the bulk of fecal mass in the intestines.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All cases of constipation are caused by secondary factors.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dehydration can only cause constipation in patients who are already experiencing constipation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A low-calorie diet is not a contributing factor to diet-related constipation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The abnormally slow movement of feces through the colon always results in diarrhea.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Psychological conditions cannot cause constipation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Good abdominal muscle tone can hinder proper bowel function.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All medical conditions can cause constipation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to diarrhea.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Exercise decreases muscle tone and promotes constipation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Opiates are a type of medication that can induce constipation.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Antacids, such as calcium and aluminum compounds, can help prevent constipation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bowel retraining is only necessary for individuals who have had rectal surgery.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Anorexia is a common symptom of constipation.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All medications listed can induce constipation in some individuals.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of stools in patients experiencing constipation?

    <p>hard, dry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of the abnormally slow movement of feces through the colon?

    <p>Accumulation in the descending colon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary factor that aids in stimulating peristalsis and eliminating stools?

    <p>Dietary fiber</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common cause of secondary constipation?

    <p>Systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of treating diet-related constipation?

    <p>Increasing fiber and fluid intake</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of patients experiencing constipation?

    <p>Feeling as though bowel evacuation is not complete</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common lifestyle characteristic that can contribute to constipation?

    <p>Dehydration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between primary and secondary constipation?

    <p>Primary constipation is often characterized by slower than normal movement of fecal matter or defecatory disorders, while secondary constipation is caused by systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen to rectal muscles if the urge to empty the bowel is ignored or suppressed?

    <p>Rectal muscles can lose tonicity and become less effective in eliminating stool.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common consequence of taking multiple medications, particularly those that induce constipation?

    <p>Constipation is a common consequence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of bowel retraining in cases of constipation?

    <p>To establish a pattern of regular bowel movements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a lifestyle characteristic that can contribute to constipation?

    <p>Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common presenting symptom of constipation, besides decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools?

    <p>Abdominal discomfort or bloating.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of medication is likely to induce constipation, particularly in patients with conditions that can induce constipation?

    <p>Opioid medication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can occur if the nerve pathways that regulate bowel movements are damaged or degenerated?

    <p>The signal to defecate may stop being sent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a factor that can increase muscle tone and promote bowel motility?

    <p>Exercise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the potential complications of straining to pass hard stool?

    <p>Hemorrhoids, anal fissures with rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse. Fecal impaction or rectal ulcers may also occur if hard stool is packed very tightly in the rectum or intestine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three primary goals of treating constipation?

    <p>Relieve constipation and reestablish normal bowel function, establish dietary and exercise habits that aid in preventing recurrences, and promote the safe and effective use of laxative products.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of straining to defecate?

    <p>Blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a non-pharmacological treatment for constipation that can provide immediate relief?

    <p>Lifestyle modifications, such as adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in exercise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of ignoring the urge to empty the bowel?

    <p>Constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of chronic constipation?

    <p>Constipation continuing over several weeks to months.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) ______.

    <p>complaint</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Patients may describe constipation as ______ to have a bowel movement.

    <p>straining</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Constipation usually results from the abnormally slow movement of feces through the ______.

    <p>colon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dietary fiber dissolves or swells in the ______ fluid, which increases the bulk of fecal mass.

    <p>intestinal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A diet that is low in ______, carbohydrates, or fiber may contribute to diet-related constipation.

    <p>calories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Inadequate intake of ______ may also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.

    <p>fluids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Primary constipation is often characterized by ______ than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract.

    <p>slower</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Secondary causes of constipation include systemic, neurological, or ______ disorders.

    <p>psychological</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Gravity and good ___________ muscle tone also aid in proper bowel function.

    <p>abdominal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes ___________ motility.

    <p>bowel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can eventually lead to ___________.

    <p>constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nerve pathways may degenerate and stop sending the signal to ___________.

    <p>defecate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Opioid induced ___________ is a common reason for self care laxative use.

    <p>constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and ___________ distress are symptoms of constipation.

    <p>psychosocial</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bowel retraining often is necessary to establish a pattern of regular ___________ movements.

    <p>bowel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonate, can contribute to ___________.

    <p>constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Constipation continuing over several weeks to months is considered to be ______ and may require more sustained and aggressive therapy directed by a health care provider.

    <p>chronic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Straining to pass hard stool can lead to ______, anal fissures with rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.

    <p>hemorrhoids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The primary goals of treatment are to ______ constipation and reestablish normal bowel function.

    <p>relieve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Adjusting the diet to include foods high in ______, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in some form of exercise are lifestyle modifications.

    <p>fiber</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Straining to defecate may result in ______ pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.

    <p>blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If hard stool is packed very tightly in the rectum or intestine, ______ impaction or rectal ulcers may occur.

    <p>fecal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the characteristics of constipation with their descriptions:

    <p>Straining to have a bowel movement = Difficulty in passing stools Passing hard, dry stools = Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation Passing small stools = Decreased stool frequency Feeling as though bowel evacuation is not complete = Small stools or decreased stool frequency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the causes of constipation with their types:

    <p>Slower than normal movement of fecal matter = Primary cause Defecatory disorders = Primary cause Systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders = Secondary cause Structural abnormalities = Secondary cause</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the dietary factors with their effects on constipation:

    <p>Low fiber intake = Contributes to constipation Low calorie intake = Contributes to constipation Inadequate fluid intake = Promotes constipation Dietary fiber intake = Aids in eliminating stools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the consequences of constipation with their descriptions:

    <p>Accumulation in the descending colon = Result of slow movement of feces Straining to pass hard stool = Possible complication Fecal impaction = Complication of straining to defecate Dehydration = Contributes to constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the effects of various factors on bowel function:

    <p>Dietary fiber = Increases bulk of fecal mass Exercise = Increases bowel motility Good abdominal muscle tone = Aids in proper bowel function Dehydration = Hinders bowel function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the characteristics of patients with constipation:

    <p>Menopause = Psychological condition Pelvic floor dysfunction = Defecatory disorder Rectal prolapse = Structural abnormality Dehydration = Lifestyle characteristic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the effects of various factors on stool characteristics:

    <p>Dietary fiber = Increases bulk of fecal mass Dehydration = Makes stools hard and dry Low fiber intake = Makes stools small and dry Inadequate fluid intake = Makes stools hard and dry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the causes of secondary constipation:

    <p>Systemic disorders = Example of secondary cause Neurological disorders = Example of secondary cause Psychological disorders = Example of secondary cause Structural abnormalities = Example of secondary cause</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:

    <p>Antacids = May induce constipation Opiates = May induce constipation Gastrointestinal antispasmodics = May induce constipation Benzodiazepines = May induce constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following lifestyle characteristics with their potential effect on bowel function:

    <p>Exercise = Increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel = Can lead to constipation Gravity = Aids in proper bowel function Good abdominal muscle tone = Aids in proper bowel function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following symptoms with their potential relationship to constipation:

    <p>Anorexia = May be a symptom of constipation Low back pain = May be a symptom of constipation Abdominal discomfort = May be a symptom of constipation Dull headache = May be a symptom of constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:

    <p>Anticholinergics = May induce constipation Antihistamines = May induce constipation Antimuscarinics = May induce constipation Antidepressants = May induce constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:

    <p>Calcium supplements = May induce constipation Diuretics = May induce constipation Clonidine = May induce constipation Benzodiazepines = May induce constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following lifestyle characteristics with their potential effect on bowel function:

    <p>Regular bowel movements = May be achieved through bowel retraining Ignoring the urge to empty the bowel = Can lead to constipation Exercise = Increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility Good abdominal muscle tone = Aids in proper bowel function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following symptoms with their potential relationship to constipation:

    <p>Bloating = May be a symptom of constipation Flatulence = May be a symptom of constipation Psychosocial distress = May be a symptom of constipation Lassitude = May be a symptom of constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:

    <p>Hematinics = May induce constipation Barium sulfate = May induce constipation Polystyrene sodium sulfonate = May induce constipation Sucralfate = May induce constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following complications of constipation with their descriptions:

    <p>Hemorrhoids = Straining to pass hard stool can lead to this complication. Fecal impaction = Hard stool is packed very tightly in the rectum or intestine. Rectal ulcers = Hard stool is packed very tightly in the rectum or intestine. Anal fissures = Straining to pass hard stool can lead to this complication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following non-pharmacological treatments for constipation with their descriptions:

    <p>Increasing fluid intake = Engaging in this can help establish a pattern of regular bowel movements. Exercise = This can promote the safe and effective use of laxative products. Dietary fiber = This can help reestablish normal bowel function. Lifestyle modifications = This can provide more immediate relief for constipation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following goals of treating constipation with their descriptions:

    <p>Relieve constipation = This primary goal is to reestablish normal bowel function. Establish dietary habits = This primary goal is to aid in preventing recurrences of constipation. Promote laxative products = This primary goal is to ensure safe and effective use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following consequences of constipation with their descriptions:

    <p>Blood pressure surges = Straining to defecate can result in this consequence. Rectal bleeding = This consequence can occur if hard stool is packed very tightly in the rectum or intestine. Anal fissures = Straining to pass hard stool can lead to this consequence. Cardiac rhythm disturbances = Straining to defecate can result in this consequence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following characteristics of constipation with their descriptions:

    <p>Chronic constipation = Constipation continuing over several weeks to months is considered this. Acute constipation = Constipation continuing over several weeks to months is not considered this. Diet-related constipation = This type of constipation can be treated with dietary fiber.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following consequences of straining to defecate with their descriptions:

    <p>Hemorrhoids = Straining to pass hard stool can lead to this consequence. Anal fissures = Straining to pass hard stool can lead to this consequence. Rectal prolapse = Straining to pass hard stool can lead to this consequence. Fecal impaction = Hard stool is packed very tightly in the rectum or intestine, leading to this consequence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Constipation: Introduction

    • Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint characterized by having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week with straining and passing hard, dry stools.
    • Patients may experience straining, passing small stools, feeling incomplete bowel evacuation, or decreased stool frequency.

    Etiology

    • Causes of constipation include medical conditions, medications, psychological and physiologic conditions, and lifestyle characteristics.
    • Primary constipation can be characterized by slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract or defecatory disorders.
    • Secondary causes include systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders, and structural abnormalities that result in obstruction.
    • A diet low in calories, carbohydrates, or fiber can contribute to constipation.
    • Inadequate fluid intake can also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.

    Lifestyle Characteristics

    • Gravity and good abdominal muscle tone aid in proper bowel function.
    • Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility.
    • Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to constipation and may require bowel retraining.

    Medications and Constipation

    • Medications can contribute to constipation, especially in patients taking multiple medications and those with conditions that can induce constipation.
    • Selected drugs that may induce constipation include analgesics, antacids, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • Decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools, accompanied by other symptoms such as anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and psychosocial distress.
    • Chronic constipation continuing over several weeks to months may require more sustained and aggressive therapy.

    Complications

    • Straining to pass hard stool can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
    • Fecal impaction or rectal ulcers may occur if hard stool is packed tightly in the rectum or intestine.
    • Straining to defecate may result in blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.

    Treatment of Constipation

    • The primary goals of treatment are to relieve constipation, reestablish normal bowel function, and establish dietary and exercise habits that aid in preventing recurrences.
    • Treatment approaches include non-pharmacological methods such as adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in exercise.

    Constipation: Introduction

    • Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint characterized by having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week with straining and passing hard, dry stools.
    • Patients may experience straining, passing small stools, feeling incomplete bowel evacuation, or decreased stool frequency.

    Etiology

    • Causes of constipation include medical conditions, medications, psychological and physiologic conditions, and lifestyle characteristics.
    • Primary constipation can be characterized by slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract or defecatory disorders.
    • Secondary causes include systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders, and structural abnormalities that result in obstruction.
    • A diet low in calories, carbohydrates, or fiber can contribute to constipation.
    • Inadequate fluid intake can also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.

    Lifestyle Characteristics

    • Gravity and good abdominal muscle tone aid in proper bowel function.
    • Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility.
    • Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to constipation and may require bowel retraining.

    Medications and Constipation

    • Medications can contribute to constipation, especially in patients taking multiple medications and those with conditions that can induce constipation.
    • Selected drugs that may induce constipation include analgesics, antacids, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • Decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools, accompanied by other symptoms such as anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and psychosocial distress.
    • Chronic constipation continuing over several weeks to months may require more sustained and aggressive therapy.

    Complications

    • Straining to pass hard stool can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
    • Fecal impaction or rectal ulcers may occur if hard stool is packed tightly in the rectum or intestine.
    • Straining to defecate may result in blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.

    Treatment of Constipation

    • The primary goals of treatment are to relieve constipation, reestablish normal bowel function, and establish dietary and exercise habits that aid in preventing recurrences.
    • Treatment approaches include non-pharmacological methods such as adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in exercise.

    Constipation: Introduction

    • Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint characterized by having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week with straining and passing hard, dry stools.
    • Patients may experience straining, passing small stools, feeling incomplete bowel evacuation, or decreased stool frequency.

    Etiology

    • Causes of constipation include medical conditions, medications, psychological and physiologic conditions, and lifestyle characteristics.
    • Primary constipation can be characterized by slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract or defecatory disorders.
    • Secondary causes include systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders, and structural abnormalities that result in obstruction.
    • A diet low in calories, carbohydrates, or fiber can contribute to constipation.
    • Inadequate fluid intake can also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.

    Lifestyle Characteristics

    • Gravity and good abdominal muscle tone aid in proper bowel function.
    • Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility.
    • Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to constipation and may require bowel retraining.

    Medications and Constipation

    • Medications can contribute to constipation, especially in patients taking multiple medications and those with conditions that can induce constipation.
    • Selected drugs that may induce constipation include analgesics, antacids, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • Decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools, accompanied by other symptoms such as anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and psychosocial distress.
    • Chronic constipation continuing over several weeks to months may require more sustained and aggressive therapy.

    Complications

    • Straining to pass hard stool can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
    • Fecal impaction or rectal ulcers may occur if hard stool is packed tightly in the rectum or intestine.
    • Straining to defecate may result in blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.

    Treatment of Constipation

    • The primary goals of treatment are to relieve constipation, reestablish normal bowel function, and establish dietary and exercise habits that aid in preventing recurrences.
    • Treatment approaches include non-pharmacological methods such as adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in exercise.

    Constipation: Introduction

    • Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint characterized by having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week with straining and passing hard, dry stools.
    • Patients may experience straining, passing small stools, feeling incomplete bowel evacuation, or decreased stool frequency.

    Etiology

    • Causes of constipation include medical conditions, medications, psychological and physiologic conditions, and lifestyle characteristics.
    • Primary constipation can be characterized by slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract or defecatory disorders.
    • Secondary causes include systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders, and structural abnormalities that result in obstruction.
    • A diet low in calories, carbohydrates, or fiber can contribute to constipation.
    • Inadequate fluid intake can also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.

    Lifestyle Characteristics

    • Gravity and good abdominal muscle tone aid in proper bowel function.
    • Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility.
    • Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to constipation and may require bowel retraining.

    Medications and Constipation

    • Medications can contribute to constipation, especially in patients taking multiple medications and those with conditions that can induce constipation.
    • Selected drugs that may induce constipation include analgesics, antacids, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • Decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools, accompanied by other symptoms such as anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and psychosocial distress.
    • Chronic constipation continuing over several weeks to months may require more sustained and aggressive therapy.

    Complications

    • Straining to pass hard stool can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
    • Fecal impaction or rectal ulcers may occur if hard stool is packed tightly in the rectum or intestine.
    • Straining to defecate may result in blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.

    Treatment of Constipation

    • The primary goals of treatment are to relieve constipation, reestablish normal bowel function, and establish dietary and exercise habits that aid in preventing recurrences.
    • Treatment approaches include non-pharmacological methods such as adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in exercise.

    Constipation: Introduction

    • Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint characterized by having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week with straining and passing hard, dry stools.
    • Patients may experience straining, passing small stools, feeling incomplete bowel evacuation, or decreased stool frequency.

    Etiology

    • Causes of constipation include medical conditions, medications, psychological and physiologic conditions, and lifestyle characteristics.
    • Primary constipation can be characterized by slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract or defecatory disorders.
    • Secondary causes include systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders, and structural abnormalities that result in obstruction.
    • A diet low in calories, carbohydrates, or fiber can contribute to constipation.
    • Inadequate fluid intake can also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.

    Lifestyle Characteristics

    • Gravity and good abdominal muscle tone aid in proper bowel function.
    • Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility.
    • Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to constipation and may require bowel retraining.

    Medications and Constipation

    • Medications can contribute to constipation, especially in patients taking multiple medications and those with conditions that can induce constipation.
    • Selected drugs that may induce constipation include analgesics, antacids, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • Decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools, accompanied by other symptoms such as anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and psychosocial distress.
    • Chronic constipation continuing over several weeks to months may require more sustained and aggressive therapy.

    Complications

    • Straining to pass hard stool can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
    • Fecal impaction or rectal ulcers may occur if hard stool is packed tightly in the rectum or intestine.
    • Straining to defecate may result in blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.

    Treatment of Constipation

    • The primary goals of treatment are to relieve constipation, reestablish normal bowel function, and establish dietary and exercise habits that aid in preventing recurrences.
    • Treatment approaches include non-pharmacological methods such as adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in exercise.

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