CONSTIPATION

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Infrequent passage <3/week, straining, hard stool, incomplete evacuation, or anorectal blockage sensation

Question 2

Causes (11)

Answer 2

• Immobility
• Low fiber diet
• IBS
• Hypercalcemia
• Hypothyroidism
• DM
• Pregnanacy
• Pelvic floor abnormalities
• Neurological
• Obstruction (anal or colon)
• Drugs: opiates, antimuscarinics, CCBs, iron, antidepressants (TCA)

Question 3

Alarm symptoms (2)

Answer 3

• Rectal bleeding or anemia
• Recent onset in middle age or elderly especially with sense of the incomplete evacuation

Question 4

Treatment (3)

Answer 4

1- High fiber diet and lots of liquids
2- Long-term laxatives only used in severe and unresponsive cases
3- Treatment of underlying cause