Constipation

At a Glance

Constipation is a condition where the frequency of bowel movements decreases, or stools are hard and dry, making them difficult to pass.

Representative symptoms include decreased frequency of bowel movements, hard or dry stools, and pain and excessive straining during defecation.

How the Disease Works

Lack of dietary fiber and fluids, decreased physical activity, suppression of the urge to defecate, and certain medications and underlying diseases may be related to constipation.

If colonic transit slows down or the evacuation process is not smooth, more water can be absorbed from the stool, making it harder and making bowel movements difficult.

Patterns Vary by Person

Risks and progression may vary depending on age, pregnancy, activity restrictions, changes in food and fluid intake, specific medications, and neurological or endocrine diseases.

Broad framework of diagnosis and management

Constipation often appears temporarily, but the course varies from person to person, and evaluation is necessary if changes in bowel habits persist.

Diagnosis is performed by checking the duration and pattern of symptoms, bowel habits, medications being taken, and pre-existing conditions, and by performing physical examinations or additional tests when necessary.

Current stage of treatment

It is not necessarily normal to have a bowel movement every day, so it should be compared with your usual bowel patterns, and sudden changes must be explained during medical consultation.

Management involves a step-by-step consideration of adjusting diet, hydration, and activity according to the cause and severity, establishing regular bowel habits, and using medication if necessary.

The basis of management is adjusting lifestyle factors and reviewing medications that may cause constipation; laxatives should be used in consultation with medical professionals.

How to read clinical trials

Clinical trial registration information only shows that the study has been registered; it does not, in itself, prove therapeutic effectiveness or whether it is a standard treatment.

Points to verify in clinical encounters

In clinical practice, onset and progression, stool form, abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, weight loss, fever, medications taken, and treatments attempted are assessed; if severe pain or persistent vomiting or bleeding occurs, medical staff or the local emergency medical system must be contacted immediately.