Adult constipation: a review and clinical guide.
Year: 2001
Type: review
Abstract: Constipation is a common complaint that can be a symptom of serious disease. Awareness of the potential etiologies can help direct the history, physical exam and subsequent work-up for the presenting individual. This article details the differential diagnosis and pathophysiology of constipation based on a review of the literature. The article is also designed to be useful as a guide to the work-up of constipation. Key elements of the history, physical exam and testing are outlined. Included is a detailed flow diagram to guide the work-up of constipation. Testing methods and their value in the evaluation of chronic idiopathic constipation are discussed. Finally, although the focus of this article is the evaluation of constipation, a section on the treatment of constipation is included.
Source: PubMed
Authors: T Q Jacobs, R J Pamies
Institution: Case Western Reserve University
Language: English
Subfield: Gastroenterology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1856094056