title: [Guidelines for the treatment of constipation].
abstract: While constipation is a common symptom in Korea, there are no existing treatment guidelines. Although constipation may occur as a result of organic cause, there is no obstructive mucosal or structural cause in the vast majority of patients with constipation. The present paper deals with only the management of functional constipation: lifestyle changes; bulking agents and stool softeners; osmotic agents; stimulant laxatives; prokinetics; biofeedback and surgical treatments. Exercise and dietary fiber are helpful in some patients with constipation. Laxatives including bulking agents, stool softeners, osmotic agents, and stimulant laxatives have been found to be more effective than placebo at relieving symptoms of constipation. New enterokinetic agents that affect peristalsis through selective interaction with 5-hydroxytryptamine-4 receptors can be effective in patients with constipation who cannot get adequate relief from current laxatives. Biofeedback can relieve symptoms in selected patients with pelvic floor dyssynergia. Surgical treatments can be helpful in some patients with refractory constipation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Moo In
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jeong Eun
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Seung Jae
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Myung
authors.forename: Kyu Chan
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Huh
authors.forename: Chang Hwan
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Sung Ae
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Suck Chei
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Chong Il
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Sohn
authors.forename: Myung Gyu
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003248:Constipation / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D054368:Laxatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058832:Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D054368:Laxatives; D058832:Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Antagonists; D013501:Surface-Active Agents