title: Practical symptom-based evaluation of chronic constipation.
abstract: A symptom-based approach is the best means for diagnosing chronic constipation. Extensive diagnostic testing is seldom necessary unless alarm features are present. Encourage routine colon cancer screening tests for all patients aged 50 years or older.
authors.affiliation: Bellbrook Medical Center, Inc, 4336 State Route 725, Bellbrook, OH 45305-2742, USA. scottbleser@woh.rr.com
authors.forename: Scott D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Bleser
mesh_terms: D003113:Colonoscopy; D003248:Constipation / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged