Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “CONSTIPATION”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[Hemorrhoids: epidemiology and correlation with chronic constipation].

Following a review of international literature, AA report main results and refer their opinion about the correlation of hemorrhoidal disease with constipation, considering some variants as well as age, sex, breed, social-economic condition and geographic distribution in USA, England and Wales. Epidemiologically ten millions of people, in USA, are affected by hemorrhoidal disease; the incidence rate is 4.4% with an age distribution that shows a prevalence between 45-65 years old subject while constipation has an exponential increase with aging. Hemorrhoidal disease is significantly influenced by sex and geographic distribution that is in white breed more than in black, in social high class and in men more than women. In black breed constipation and hemorrhoidal disease present especially in lower social classes. Based on these results hemorrhoidal disease shows on epidemiological pattern that differ from constipation's one. Many questions are still present about correlations between hemorrhoidal disease and chronic constipation regarding etiopathogenesis. Only future case-control studies will solve the problem.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Radionuclide colon transit study in patients with idiopathic constipation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Constipation is the most common digestive complaint. Radionuclide colon transit study is a useful tool for assessing the motility of the colon. In this study, we evaluate patients with idiopathic constipation using the radionuclide colon transit study. METHODOLOGY: We studied radionuclide colon transit in 23 patients with idiopathic constipation. Thirty healthy volunteers were included as a control. RESULTS: Overall, patients with idiopathic constipation usually had slow or normal colon transit. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that the radionuclide colon transit study may be clinically useful in evaluating and assessing the efficacy of therapy in patients with idiopathic constipation.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Managing children with constipation: a community perspective.

Two clinical nurse specialists explain the nature of constipation in children and how the primary health care team can achieve successful treatment and management strategies for this condition. Constipation in children is a common and often complex problem. It may begin at four months of age in relation to weaning, or at around two years of age in relation to potty training. Constipation can be a distressing problem for the child and the family. Treatment failure rates are high, frequently reflecting poor understanding of the pathophysiology of constipation and inappropriate management. Symptoms include infrequent defaecation, pain and distress and refusal to defaecate. Causes include a poor intake of dietary fibre and fluid, emotional disturbances, possibly intercurrent infection and change in routine. Management of children with constipation includes an increase in dietary fibre and fluids, behaviour modification and laxative medication. For treatment to be effective there should be regular follow-up. Management of this chronic problem by nurses is viewed as effective and acceptable to parents.

Behavior Therapy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Constipation: causes and cures.

Constipation is a common but poorly understood problem. Within the UK it is estimated that three million GP consultations relate to constipation every year. It is a problem that could affect any person at any time, yet it is often preventable. There is no accepted definition for constipation, however, and it is open to individual interpretation. Some may describe constipation as passing hard stools, others may describe it as infrequent defaecation. Constipation can affect a person's physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Nurses are in a key position to help with this problem, although a multidisciplinary approach is needed if treatment is to be successful.

Biofeedback, Psychology↗
PubMed1992

Constipation related to narcotic therapy. A protocol for nurses and patients.

Constipation is a well-known side effect of narcotics and can add to the total burden of pain of cancer patients in need of pain medication. There is little literature on this topic, and it has been suggested that one reason is that the definitions are vague and socially bound. It has also been suggested that some physicians consider constipation a trivial problem, resulting in a relative lack of attention to the subject. Although this article addresses narcotic-induced constipation, other types related to poor dietary and exercise habits and to disease are mentioned and may be contributing factors. There are a number of drugs and treatments available to treat the problem, but the emphasis of nursing care should be on prevention of constipation. Senna derivatives have been noted to reverse the major constipating effect of narcotics, i.e., the decrease in propulsive movements of the colon, and it is recommended they be given right along with narcotics as a preventive measure. A protocol that incorporates a schedule of drugs and dosages and specific patient and nursing guidelines for daily evaluation of bowel function, with education about dietary, fluid, and exercise requirements, will help nurses practice prevention and contribute to patients' comfort.

Constipation↗
PubMed2003

[Clinical factors associated with response to biofeedback therapy for patients with chronic constipation].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Biofeedback therapy has been widely used for the treatment of constipated patients. However, there are only a few reports about the clinical factors that can predict the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors before the initiation of biofeedback treatment in constipated patients. METHODS: Biofeedback treatment was performed in 114 patients with constipation. After classifying the patients into two groups, responder and non-responder by subjective and objective parameters, univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the factors associated with effectiveness of biofeedback therapy. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients (74.6%) responded to biofeedback therapy. Pre-treatment balloon expulsion test, paradoxical contraction on manometry, defecation index and anal residual pressure during straining were the factors that influenced the results of biofeedback treatment. On multivariate analysis, defecation index (odds ratio=67.5, p<0.05) and paradoxical contraction on manometry (odds ratio=0.053, p<0.05) were the factors that showed significant difference between the responders and non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that several pre-treatment prognostic factors are associated with response to biofeedback for the constipated patients. Using prognostic factors, we may be able to evaluate the patterns of pelvic floor dysfunction and responsiveness of biofeedback therapy for the patients with constipation.

Biofeedback, Psychology↗
PubMed2003

The rationale for cecorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation.

The most usual reconstruction after subtotal colectomy is ileo-rectal anastomosis, which requires the removal of the caecum. We propose the treatment of chronic slow-transit constipation with subtotal colectomy and antiperistaltic caecoproctostomy. The sparing of the caecum, the ileo-caecal valve and the distal ileal loop, leaving a physiologic reservoir, allowing the presence of colic bacterial flora which metabolizes the undigested starch and produces short chain fatty acids, should guarantee a normal stool consistency, normal absorption of water, sodium and vitamin B12 and the prevention of renal and gallbladder lithiasis. In 1992, we started a study on the outcome of 19 patients who had undergone subtotal colectomy and antiperistaltic caeco-rectal anastomosis for slow-transit constipation. The surgical procedure was carried out without any serious complications and without mortality. The mean clinical follow-up was 64 months (range 5-132). Six months after surgery, 13 patients reported normal bowel movements with solid stool consistency, 5 reported diarrhoea and the need for antidiarrhoeal agents, and one reported constipation easily controlled with laxatives. Fifteen patients considered their quality of life as having improved compared with that before surgery. Selection of patients justify such very satisfying results. It is well known that colic resection is effective only in the case of slow transit constipation, and thus a careful physiologic assessment is needed to rule out other causes of constipation, such as outlet obstruction syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Constipation opposes well-being].

Constipation has an effect in traumatology and orthopedic surgery as a real and potential problem capable of increasing disease-caused mortality related to the slowness of feces in the intestinal tract; furthermore, constipation contributes manifestly to an alteration in a patient's well-being. In spite of this, there are very few studies in this area of knowledge in nursing and the majority of cases, constipation is considered to be a secondary problem among general treatment plans for trauma patients' linked to a syndrome of disuse due to being bedridden. In this study, the authors have tried to point out the magnitude and the clinical importance constipation has in trauma ward patients as well as create a treatment protocol which has some specific treatments which permit a standardization of nursing care provided to at risk patients. To develop this, the authors have carried out a comparative study following the directions established by the Process of Nursing Treatment as the paradigm for the application of the scientific method in professional practice. The evaluation of the results obtained in this study let the authors conclude that the adoption of this standardized protocol which we present for treatment of constipation suffered by trauma ward patients improves the pattern of bowel movements by patients hospitalized with fractures in their inferior extremities without having backbone complications.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Diagnostics and treatment of chronic constipation in children--the experience of the department of paediatric surgery].

The chronic constipation in children can pose a big problem both in pediatric and surgical practice. The purpose of this work is to present diagnostic and treatment procedures in children with chronic constipation. For over three years 70 children with defecation problems have been referred to the Department of Pediatric Surgery in Katowice (Poland). As a result of diagnostic procedures (anorectal manometry, barium enema and rectal biopsy) Hirschsprung disease was diagnosed in 21 cases and chronic constipation in 49. Children with Hirschsprung disease were treated surgically. Children with diagnosed chronic constipation were treated conservatively (cleansing enemas, oral laxatives, diet) and good results were obtained in 30 patients. 19 children underwent anal divulsion and 16 improved. In 2 cases sphincter myotomy was performed and good result was obtained in both of them. The diagnostics and treatment of chronic constipation in pediatric surgical ward is advantageous, because: Hirschsprung disease can be excluded, cleansing of colon sometimes requires general anesthesia and in selected cases surgical procedure is necessary.

Cathartics↗
PubMed1992

Impaired colonic motor response to eating in patients with slow-transit constipation.

Because little is known about the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for chronic idiopathic constipation, we studied colon motor response to eating, one of the most physiological and reproducible stimuli, in a clinically homogeneous group of severely constipated subjects. Fifteen patients (14 women, one man) with slow transit constipation (average duration of symptoms 18 +/- 2 yr) entered the study. After colonoscopic positioning of a manometric probe, 2-h basal and 3-h postprandial (1000 kcal standard mixed meal) recordings were obtained. Comparison of tracings with those of 29 healthy volunteers showed that motor response to eating was decreased in constipated subjects. Patients' response was characterized by a shorter duration of contractile activity in all three colon segments studied, after ingestion of the meal, and significantly less high-amplitude propagated contractions (7% vs. 45%). We conclude that several mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of colon contractile motor function of patients with chronic idiopathic constipation.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Constipation--a risk factor for colorectal cancer].

A new, chronophysiological, conception of constipation is based upon the fundamental principle of the circadian regularity of the bowel evacuatory function. The slowing of the near-day (24 +/- 4 hours) regularity of this function in a form of intestinal bradiarrhythmia is an attribute of constipation. According to epidemiological and endoscopic data, constipation, as the basis of colorectal coprostasis, is one of the main risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC). The morphological signs of large bowel pre-cancer (dysplasia, adenomatosis, polyposis) seem to be secondary to the primary functional disorder of the circadian rhythm. In Saint Petersburg there are no statistics on the diagnostics of constipation, but CRC occupies the leading position in the structure of total oncological morbidity and female oncological mortality (the so called "Petersburg paradox"). Colorectal bradiarrhythmia, which precedes constipation, is the earliest functional (prenosological) CRC risk factor.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1991

[Terminal constipation: priority for anorectal manometry].

Terminal constipation is a common ailment which may be readily suspected by appropriate questioning of the patient. Investigation is by function tests such as anorectal manometry and measurement of colonic transit time. The goal of this investigation was to explore the relative merits of these two methods in terminal constipation. Measurement of colonic transit time did not make it possible to distinguish terminal from other forms of constipation, whereas anorectal manometry allowed this distinction and, in cases of terminal constipation, provided information on the physiopathological mechanisms, thereby permitting appropriate anorectal reeducation by biofeedback. We conclude that, once an organic cause has been excluded by coloscopy, anorectal manometry is the investigation of choice in terminal constipation.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Functional studies in idiopathic constipation and irritable colon].

The pathophysiology of idiopathic constipation and of the irritable bowel syndrome is complex and not easily approached through clinical data alone, none of which appearing to be highly specific of these diagnoses. Abnormal visceral sensation as well as colonic and ano-rectal motor dysfunction have been demonstrated. Functional evaluation may then focus on establishing the presence of such abnormalities or on trying to understand their underlying mechanisms. Thus, for example, measuring colonic transit time may distinguish those patients with constipation and a prolonged transit time from those with a normal one. Ano-rectal manometry may be used to evaluate the recto-anal inhibitory reflex which is absent in Hirschsprung's disease, although its use in patients with idiopathic constipation requires further study. Electromyography (EMG) of the anal sphincter can be used to demonstrate a paradoxical contraction during defecation, which is thought to be an important mechanism in some types of constipation. Manometry an EMG are useful tools in evaluating the patient with severe constipation, particularly if surgery is contemplated.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1990

Colon transit scintigraphy in health and constipation using oral iodine-131-cellulose.

The purpose of the study was to assess if a new scintigraphic method for noninvasive assessment of colonic transit could differentiate between subjects with normal bowel transit and those with constipation. Eleven normal subjects and 29 constipated patients were given 4 MBq iodine-131-cellulose (131I-cellulose) orally and sequential abdominal scans were performed at 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr from which total and segmental percent retentions were calculated. There were clear differences between the normal subjects and the constipated patients for the total percent retention at all time intervals, on a segmental basis in the right colon at 24 hr, and in all segments at 48 and 72 hr. Three-day urinary excretion of radioiodine was minimal; 2.4% +/- 1.2% (mean +/- s.d.) in constipated patients and 3.1% +/- 0.8% in normals, with approximately 75% occurring in the first day. The use of oral radiotracers in the investigation of constipation appears promising.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1989

Mouth-to-cecum transit time in patients affected by chronic constipation: effect of glucomannan.

Mouth-to-cecum transit time was studied in 13 patients affected by chronic idiopathic constipation and 18 control subjects matched with the constipation group for age, sex, and dietary habits. In a preliminary investigation, all patients showed a prolonged whole gut (oroanal) transit time as measured with radiopaque markers. Mouth-to-cecum transit time was studied through the serial determination of breath H2 after administration of 12 g lactulose diluted in 120 ml water. Breath H2 was measured with a gas analyzer and was determined in parts per million (ppm). Breath H2 after lactulose was also determined in the group with constipation after a 10-day diet that included either glucomannan (1 g tid orally) or placebo administered in a double-blind manner. The results show a statistically significant increase in mouth-to-cecum transit time in the group with constipation, compared with controls, and a return to within the normal range after the 10-day treatment with glucomannan. With placebo, no difference in transit time was noted. We therefore suggest that chronic idiopathic constipation is a disease that involves the whole gut.

Breath Tests↗
PubMed1988

Constipation and fecal impaction in the long-term care patient.

Constipation is a significant problem in the long-term care patient. There is a high prevalence of both primary and secondary causes of constipation in this population. Common primary causes include deficient dietary fiber, deficient fluid intake, and immobility. Common secondary causes include carcinoma, constipating medications, and neurologic and endocrine diseases. Moreover, complications of constipation such as fecal impaction, fecal incontinence, stercoral ulceration, and obstruction can be catastrophic in the debilitated elderly patient. Many cases of constipation can be treated by supplementing dietary fiber and fluid intake, with attention to nonmedical forms of intervention. In some patients, therapies such as bulk-forming agents, emollients, and periodic enemas may be necessary. In addition, there are some newer therapies available. Chronic stimulant laxative therapy should be reserved for patients with certain conditions that warrant their use.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

[Pathophysiology of defecatory disturbance in the patient with Hirschsprung's disease and chronically constipated patients with simple megarectum].

The disturbance of defecation in the patient with Hirschsprung's disease and the pathophysiology of constipation in the constipated patient with simple megarectum were investigated. In Hirschsprung's disease, an existence of aganglionosis and the sphincter achalasia are two main factors which cause clinical symptoms such as chronic constipation and megacolon. As a surgical treatment, we have routinely performed our modified Duhamel's operation. Postoperative followup study indicated that the most cases in our series have gained a satisfactory defecatory function 1 to 3 years after operation. In chronically constipated patient with simple megarectum, on the other hand, it was found manometrically that the most of them had significantly high anal canal pressure and incomplete anal relaxation after rectal stimulation. These findings indicate that those patients have hypertonic and achalasic sphincter. Therefore, the authors propose "high anal pressure syndrome (HAPS)" for such constipated patient with simple megarectum. As to the surgical treatment, 6 patients with simple megarectum had a complete posterior internal sphincterotomy and the postoperative results were excellent or good in our series.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Colonic myoelectrical activity in diarrhea and constipation.

The electrical activity of the colon was recorded during 10 hour sessions from 4 to 8 sets of electrodes carried on a 1.5 m probe in 11 control volunteers and in 35 patients with irritable bowel syndrome manifested by chronic constipation, diarrhea and/or pain. The patterns of electrical spiking activity were compared with that obtained from dogs with induced diarrhea or constipation. In both humans and dogs, two types of electrical activity were identified: short spike bursts (SSB) lasting 0.6 to 2.4 sec and long spike bursts (LSB) lasting 6.4 to 25 sec. The SSBs occurred at a maximum frequency of 13 per min. in man, while the LSB never exceeded 3 per min. Characteristic changes in the myoelectrical activity mainly coincided with disorders. In a group I containing 19 patients, most of them exhibiting constipation, the level of activity was 62% higher than in healthy subjects with an increase in the SSB hourly frequency of 170 to 420%. The colonic activity was similarly increased in constipated dogs. In a group II containing 11 patients suffering from soft feces or watery diarrhea, the LSB activity was significantly reduced. In a group III containing 5 patients, diffuse abdominal pain occurred after eating despite a reduction of the electromotor feeding responses and the absence of colonic postprandial rushes. The results indicate that the functional colonic disorders in man corresponded mainly to 3 specific patterns of myoelectrical activity, one of them (Group I) being reproduced in experimentally constipated dogs.

Action Potentials↗