Chronic idiopathic constipation
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
Chronic idiopathic constipation (kron-ik eye-dee-oh-path-ik kon-sti-pay-shun) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by persistent, difficult, infrequent, or seemingly incomplete bowel movements without a known cause.
Etymology
The term "idiopathic" is derived from the Greek words idios (own, personal) and pathos (suffering), indicating a disease of unknown cause. "Chronic" refers to a condition that is long-lasting or recurrent, while "constipation" is derived from the Latin constipare meaning "to press or crowd together", "to pack", "to cram". This term has been used since the 14th century to describe a state of being crowded and therefore, slow of passage.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation may include:
- Less than three bowel movements per week
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
- Need for manual maneuvers to pass stool
Causes
The exact cause of chronic idiopathic constipation is unknown, hence the term "idiopathic". However, it is thought to involve a number of possible factors such as slow transit of stool through the colon, pelvic floor dysfunction, or a combination of these factors.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of chronic idiopathic constipation is typically based on symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Additional tests such as colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, and colonic transit study may be performed to rule out other conditions.
Treatment
Treatment for chronic idiopathic constipation often involves lifestyle changes such as increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake, regular exercise, and establishing a regular bowel movement routine. Medications such as laxatives, prokinetics, and guanylate cyclase-C agonists may also be prescribed. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
Related Terms
- Gastrointestinal disorder
- Colon
- Colonoscopy
- Anorectal manometry
- Colonic transit study
- Laxatives
- Prokinetics
- Guanylate cyclase-C agonists
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