FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION (CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC CONSTIPATION)

Risk factors Diagnosis Treatment

Poor diet together with: Constipation that does not have an anatomical or functional cause. Lifestyle:
Lack of exercise However, may have a neurological, psychological or psychosomatic cause Physical activity
Chronic laxative use fluid & fibre intake
Supressed bowel movements Diagnostic Criteria
Poor fluid intake Symptoms for > 3 months, with onset >6 months prior to diagnosis. Pharmacological:
> 3 defecations/ week Laxatives
Difficulty, pain, straining while defecating o Bulking: faecal mass peristalsis
Hard stools, in small amounts o Osmotic (mannitol): retains fluid in
Sense of incomplete evacuation bowel
o Stimulating: stimulates intramural
plexus peristalsis

Physical
Abdominal electrostimulation

Surgery:
Colectomy