Constipation
Intro
Constipation is a symptom, rather than a disease. It represents a subjective interpretation of real or imagined disturbance of bowel function.
Constipation is a condition of prolonged retention of fecal content in the GI tract resulting from decreased motility of the colon or difficulty in expelling stool.
Etiology and Risk Factors
Signs and Symptoms
Referral Pattern
Individuals that are constipated and have tender psoas trigger points may experience anterior hip, groin, or thigh pain when the fecal bolus presses against the trigger points. Intractable constipation (obstipation) can result in fecal impaction that must be removed. Back pain may be the overriding symptoms with intractable constipation, especially in older adults.
Changes in Bowel Habit can be due to:
Red Flags
Constipation is a symptom, rather than a disease. It represents a subjective interpretation of real or imagined disturbance of bowel function.
Constipation is a condition of prolonged retention of fecal content in the GI tract resulting from decreased motility of the colon or difficulty in expelling stool.
Etiology and Risk Factors
- Most often the cause is functional or idiopathic
- Functional causes include: structural abnormalities, endocrine and metabolic conditions, neurogenic conditions, smooth muscle and connective tissue disorders, psychogenic conditions, and drugs
- More prevalent in children and elder adults
Signs and Symptoms
- Hard stools
- Stools that are difficult to expel
- Infrequent stools
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation after defecation
- General discomfort
Referral Pattern
Individuals that are constipated and have tender psoas trigger points may experience anterior hip, groin, or thigh pain when the fecal bolus presses against the trigger points. Intractable constipation (obstipation) can result in fecal impaction that must be removed. Back pain may be the overriding symptoms with intractable constipation, especially in older adults.
Changes in Bowel Habit can be due to:
- Diet (decreased fluid and bulk intake)
- Smoking
- Medication side effects
- Acute or chronic diseases of the digestive system
- Extra-abdominal diseases
- Depression
- Emotional stres
- Inactivity
- Prolonged bed rest
- Lack of exercise
Red Flags
- Constipation is considered a red flag symptom when individuals with unexplained constipation have sudden and unaccountable changes in bowel habits or blood in the stools
References:
Arce, D. A., Ermocilla, C. A., & Costa, H. (2002, June 1). Evaluation of Constipation. American Family Physician, 65(11), 2283-2289.
Goodman, MBA, PT, C. C., & Snyder, MN, RN, OCN, T. E. (2007). Differential Diagnosis PHYSICAL THERAPISTS Screening for Referral (4thth ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier
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http://alternativeremediesonline.org/constipation/