title: Chronic constipation. Important aspects of workup and management.
abstract: Constipation is at best an annoying problem and at worst an incapacitating one. Two common causes are a faulty diet and inactivity. Drs Nivatvongs and Hooks propose a trial of dietary fiber for patients in whom an organic cause for constipation cannot be found. Such a trial may prove to be not only diagnostic but also therapeutic. They also discuss the proper use of laxatives, enemas, and surgical procedures.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004733:Enema; D005260:Female; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics