SMALL INTESTINE AND COLON CONSTIPATION

Question 1

In bowel habit, what is normal?

Answer 1

There is no definition for normal bowel frequency, but what is usual for that individual, whether there has been a change, and whether it is causing problems.

Question 2

what is constipation?

Answer 2

Towel movement that is Too slow

• Reduced bowel frequency (constant sensation of having to empty)
• Hard / firm stools
• Straining

Question 3

What is considered as chronic constipation?

Answer 3

Vast majority of chronic constipation is functional problem i.e. no organic pathology (which mean it is symptom of something serious like bowel cancer.)

Question 4

Chronic constipation may be associated with…

Answer 4

Electrolyte disturbance
– Hormonal: hypothyroidism, diabetes, pregnancy
– Neurological or pelvic muscle disorders
– Obstruction: stricture (diverticular disease related); rectal prolapse

Question 5

What are the alarming features of constipation?

Answer 5

• A recent change in bowel habit
• Blood in bowel motions (except when suggestive of haemorrhoids)
• Weight loss
• Iron deficiency
• Strong family history of colorectal cancer.

Question 6

Management of functional constipation?

Answer 6

• Fibre
• Fluid intake
• Lifestyle
• Laxatives — osmotic preferable over stimulant

Question 7

what is Diarrhoea?

Answer 7

When the stool moves too fast, there’s an increase in bowel frequency, and loses or watery stool.

Question 8

Acute diarrhoea is classified as?

Answer 8

Less than 2 weeks

Question 9

Persistent diarrhoea is classified as?

Answer 9

more than 2 weeks

Question 10

Chronic diarrhoea is classified as?

Answer 10

more than 4 weeks

Question 11

what are the causes of chronic diarrhoea?

Answer 11

• Functional (as part of irritable bowel syndrome)
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Coeliac disease — disease of the immune system, the immune system destroy the villi.
• Medications

Question 12

What are the alarming features of diarrhoea?

Answer 12

• A recent change in bowel habit
• Blood in bowel motions
• Weight loss
• Iron deficiency
• Strong family history of colorectal cancer