title: Constipation: understanding mechanisms and management.
abstract: Constipation is a frequently diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder. Symptoms of constipation are common, with the greatest prevalence in the elderly. Evaluation of constipation begins with a detailed medical history and a focused anorectal examination. Diagnostic testing for constipation is not routinely recommended in the initial evaluation in the absence of alarm signs. Key self-management strategies include increased exercise, a high-fiber diet, and toilet training. High-fiber diets can worsen symptoms in some patients who have chronic constipation. Biofeedback is an effective treatment option for patients who have constipation caused by outlet obstruction defecation. A variety of medications are available to remedy constipation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
authors.forename: Vanessa C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Costilla
authors.forename: Amy E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Foxx-Orenstein
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000172:deficiency / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019468:Disease Management; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D057185:Sedentary Behavior
chemical_list: D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents
keywords: Anorectal manometry; Chronic constipation; Constipation testing; Dyssynergic defecation; Outlet dysfunction; Pelvic floor dysfunction; Slow transit constipation