title: A gap in our understanding: chronic constipation and its comorbid conditions.
abstract: Constipation is one of the most common digestive disorders in the United States; however, the association of this condition with related comorbidities, both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal, is poorly documented. Here, we have reviewed the association of constipation with specific comorbidities. The data suggest that there are considerable clinical consequences associated with constipation. Ultimately, realization of the disease risks associated with chronic constipation may provide the impetus needed to direct new research, and shift attention on the part of patients and practitioners to methods for preventing significant and potentially costly comorbid medical problems.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA. talley.nicholas@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Nicholas J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Talley
authors.forename: Karen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Lasch
authors.forename: Charles L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Baum
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000150:complications*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States