title: Chronic constipation: let symptom type and severity direct treatment.
abstract: Increased fiber intake through diet or fiber supplements is an appropriate initial therapy for chronic constipation. Osmotic and stimulant laxatives may be administered to patients who do not respond to more conservative measures if the limitations of these agents are explained. Tegaserod, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 4 (5-HT4) receptor partial agonist, is more effective than placebo at relieving symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation in patients younger than 65 years of age. Patients with suspected defecation disorders and those with treatment-refractory symptoms should be referred to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
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: D000527:Alprostadil / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000628:therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005762:Gastroenterology; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068238:Lubiprostone; D012017:Referral and Consultation
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005227:Fatty Acids; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D007211:Indoles; C105050:tegaserod; D000068238:Lubiprostone; D000527:Alprostadil