Constipation

Constipation = decreased frequency of defecation + hard dry stool + abdominal discomfort

Sometimes can obstruct the bowel

Obstruction of the bowel occurs as colicky abdominal pain, abdominal distension and vomiting

When these symptoms of obstruction are present, urgent referral is necessary because constipation is only one of the possible causes of obstruction and there are others such as bowel tumour

Reference

The following signs and symptoms require medical advice:

1. Sudden change of bowel habit, which has lasted for 2 weeks or longer

2. The presence of blood in the stool

3. Presence of abdominal pain, vomiting and distension

4. Drug-induced constipation

5. Failure to OTC medication

Cause of constipation

1. Insufficient dietary fiber is a common cause of constipation

2. Change in diet and lifestyle, e.g. following a job change, travel and inadequate intake of food and fluids may be responsible

3. Drug induced, e.g. morphine, calcium channel antagonist, etc

Management of Constipation

1. Increasing the amount of dietary

2. Drinking more fluids

3. Taking regular exercise

4. In the short term, a laxative may be recommended to ease the immediate problem