title: Adult constipation: a review and clinical guide.
abstract: Constipation is a common complaint that can be a symptom of serious disease. Awareness of the potential etiologies can help direct the history, physical exam and subsequent work-up for the presenting individual. This article details the differential diagnosis and pathophysiology of constipation based on a review of the literature. The article is also designed to be useful as a guide to the work-up of constipation. Key elements of the history, physical exam and testing are outlined. Included is a detailed flow diagram to guide the work-up of constipation. Testing methods and their value in the evaluation of chronic idiopathic constipation are discussed. Finally, although the focus of this article is the evaluation of constipation, a section on the treatment of constipation is included.
authors.affiliation: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106-4966, USA.
authors.forename: T Q
authors.initials: TQ
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Pamies
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003938:Diagnostic Techniques, Digestive System; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000150:complications; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods