Chronic Constipation: a Review of Current Literature

• Published in: Current gastroenterology reports Vol. 17; no. 12; p. 47
• Main Authors: Sbahi, Hani, Cash, Brooks D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-12-2015; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abdomen; Antacids; Antidepressants; Biofeedback, Psychology; Chronic Disease; Clinical medicine; Colon; Comorbidity; Constipation; Constipation - etiology; Constipation - physiopathology; Constipation - therapy; Defecation; Dietary fiber; Dietary supplements; Drugs; Gastroenterology; Gastrointestinal Transit - physiology; Humans; Irritable bowel syndrome; Large Intestine (B Cash; Laxatives; Laxatives - therapeutic use; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Motility; Older people; Pathophysiology; Patients; Pelvic Floor - physiopathology; Pelvis; Physical Examination - methods; Psychotropic drugs; Section Editor; Topical Collection on Large Intestine; Womens health; North America; Chronic constipation; Management of chronic constipation; Pelvic floor dysfunction; Constipation; Types of constipation; Dyssynergic defecation
• ISSN: 1522-8037; 1534-312X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11894-015-0471-z

Chronic constipation is a common health condition representing a substantial proportion of primary care visits and referrals to specialist providers. Chronic constipation can have a significant negative effect on health-related quality of life and has been associated with psychological distress in severely affected patients. It has the potential to cause patients to curtail work, school, and social activities. While different pathophysiological mechanisms have been implicated in the development of chronic constipation, in some instances, the causes of chronic constipation are not easily determined. Expenditures for the evaluation and management of chronic constipation represent a significant burden on patients and payers, and it is important for clinicians to have a clear understanding of the different pathophysiological mechanisms associated with constipation, understand the different testing modalities and treatments that are available including their appropriateness and limitations, and tailor that knowledge to the management of individual patients.