Constipation: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Constipation | |||
| image = [[File:Constipation.JPG|250px]] | |||
| caption = Illustration of a person experiencing constipation | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| synonyms = Costiveness, dyschezia | |||
| symptoms = [[Infrequent bowel movements]], [[hard stools]], [[abdominal pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Hemorrhoids]], [[anal fissure]], [[fecal impaction]] | |||
| onset = Any age | |||
| duration = Can be [[chronic]] or [[acute]] | |||
| causes = [[Dietary habits]], [[medications]], [[medical conditions]] | |||
| risks = [[Low fiber diet]], [[dehydration]], [[sedentary lifestyle]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Medical history]], [[physical examination]], [[colonoscopy]] | |||
| differential = [[Irritable bowel syndrome]], [[bowel obstruction]], [[hypothyroidism]] | |||
| prevention = [[High fiber diet]], [[adequate hydration]], [[regular exercise]] | |||
| treatment = [[Laxatives]], [[dietary changes]], [[biofeedback]] | |||
| medication = [[Stool softeners]], [[osmotic laxatives]], [[stimulant laxatives]] | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
| deaths = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Constipation''' is a common [[medical condition]] characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty in passing stool. It can be chronic or acute, and is often a symptom of other [[gastrointestinal disorders]]. | '''Constipation''' is a common [[medical condition]] characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty in passing stool. It can be chronic or acute, and is often a symptom of other [[gastrointestinal disorders]]. | ||
==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
[[Constipation]] is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. It can also involve other unpleasant symptoms, such as discomfort when going to the bathroom, abdominal bloating, and the sensation of incomplete evacuation. | [[Constipation]] is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. It can also involve other unpleasant symptoms, such as discomfort when going to the bathroom, abdominal bloating, and the sensation of incomplete evacuation. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
There are many potential causes of constipation, including dietary factors, lack of physical activity, medications, and certain medical conditions. In some cases, the cause of constipation is unknown. This is referred to as [[idiopathic constipation]]. | There are many potential causes of constipation, including dietary factors, lack of physical activity, medications, and certain medical conditions. In some cases, the cause of constipation is unknown. This is referred to as [[idiopathic constipation]]. | ||
===Dietary factors=== | ===Dietary factors=== | ||
A diet low in [[fiber]] is a common cause of constipation. Fiber helps to bulk up the stool and promotes regular bowel movements. Other dietary factors that can contribute to constipation include a lack of fluids and an over-reliance on processed foods. | A diet low in [[fiber]] is a common cause of constipation. Fiber helps to bulk up the stool and promotes regular bowel movements. Other dietary factors that can contribute to constipation include a lack of fluids and an over-reliance on processed foods. | ||
===Physical activity=== | ===Physical activity=== | ||
Lack of physical activity can also lead to constipation. Regular exercise stimulates the muscles in the intestines, helping to move stool through the digestive tract. | Lack of physical activity can also lead to constipation. Regular exercise stimulates the muscles in the intestines, helping to move stool through the digestive tract. | ||
===Medications=== | ===Medications=== | ||
Certain medications can cause constipation as a side effect. These include certain pain medications, antidepressants, and iron supplements. | Certain medications can cause constipation as a side effect. These include certain pain medications, antidepressants, and iron supplements. | ||
===Medical conditions=== | ===Medical conditions=== | ||
A number of medical conditions can cause constipation. These include [[irritable bowel syndrome]], [[Parkinson's disease]], [[diabetes]], and [[hypothyroidism]]. | A number of medical conditions can cause constipation. These include [[irritable bowel syndrome]], [[Parkinson's disease]], [[diabetes]], and [[hypothyroidism]]. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for constipation typically involves changes to diet and lifestyle, such as increasing fiber intake, drinking more fluids, and getting regular exercise. In some cases, medication may be necessary. | Treatment for constipation typically involves changes to diet and lifestyle, such as increasing fiber intake, drinking more fluids, and getting regular exercise. In some cases, medication may be necessary. | ||
== Gallery == | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:BristolStoolChart.png|Bristol Stool Chart | |||
File:Constipation(lots).png|Constipation | |||
File:A_monkey_rejects_the_old_style_clyster_for_his_new_'clyso-pompe',_which_he_fills_with_opium_and_marshmallow_Wellcome_V0011775.jpg|A monkey rejects the old style clyster for his new 'clyso-pompe', which he fills with opium and marshmallow | |||
</gallery> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Irritable bowel syndrome]] | * [[Irritable bowel syndrome]] | ||
* [[Gastrointestinal disorders]] | * [[Gastrointestinal disorders]] | ||
* [[Dietary fiber]] | * [[Dietary fiber]] | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Digestive system and abdomen]] | [[Category:Symptoms and signs: Digestive system and abdomen]] | ||
{{Gastroenterology-stub}} | {{Gastroenterology-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 02:26, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Constipation | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Costiveness, dyschezia |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, abdominal pain |
| Complications | Hemorrhoids, anal fissure, fecal impaction |
| Onset | Any age |
| Duration | Can be chronic or acute |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Dietary habits, medications, medical conditions |
| Risks | Low fiber diet, dehydration, sedentary lifestyle |
| Diagnosis | Medical history, physical examination, colonoscopy |
| Differential diagnosis | Irritable bowel syndrome, bowel obstruction, hypothyroidism |
| Prevention | High fiber diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise |
| Treatment | Laxatives, dietary changes, biofeedback |
| Medication | Stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | Rare |
Constipation is a common medical condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty in passing stool. It can be chronic or acute, and is often a symptom of other gastrointestinal disorders.
Definition[edit]
Constipation is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. It can also involve other unpleasant symptoms, such as discomfort when going to the bathroom, abdominal bloating, and the sensation of incomplete evacuation.
Causes[edit]
There are many potential causes of constipation, including dietary factors, lack of physical activity, medications, and certain medical conditions. In some cases, the cause of constipation is unknown. This is referred to as idiopathic constipation.
Dietary factors[edit]
A diet low in fiber is a common cause of constipation. Fiber helps to bulk up the stool and promotes regular bowel movements. Other dietary factors that can contribute to constipation include a lack of fluids and an over-reliance on processed foods.
Physical activity[edit]
Lack of physical activity can also lead to constipation. Regular exercise stimulates the muscles in the intestines, helping to move stool through the digestive tract.
Medications[edit]
Certain medications can cause constipation as a side effect. These include certain pain medications, antidepressants, and iron supplements.
Medical conditions[edit]
A number of medical conditions can cause constipation. These include irritable bowel syndrome, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and hypothyroidism.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for constipation typically involves changes to diet and lifestyle, such as increasing fiber intake, drinking more fluids, and getting regular exercise. In some cases, medication may be necessary.
Gallery[edit]
-
Bristol Stool Chart -
Constipation -
A monkey rejects the old style clyster for his new 'clyso-pompe', which he fills with opium and marshmallow
.png)
See also[edit]
This article is a gastroenterology stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
