Constipation – Adults

Constipation is used to describe symptoms that relate to difficulties in defecation. These include infrequent bowel movements , hard lumpy stools , excessive straining , sensation of incomplete evacuation.

Common gastrointestinal problem which affects all ages It is estimated that the overall prevalence worldwide is 16 % Data from N America report a prevalence of 12 % to 19 % NICE reports that rates of reported constipation of between 4 % and 20 % in the UK NICE also reports that constipation affects twice as many women as men and older people are 5 times more likely than younger adults to suffer with constipation Maria et el ( 2011 ) in the Canadian J of Gastroenterology report that chronic constipation increases with increasing age particularly after 65 yrs with a prevalence of self reported constipation between 12.5 % and 30 % Chronic constipation is one of the 5 most common symptoms seen by a gastroenterologist Seen more commonly in people with low socioeconomic status , nursing home residents , pregnant women.

Less than 3 months can be considered acute and > 3 months chronic Acute constipation can be due to change in diet , travel or stress.

Chronic constipation -...