Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2021
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic constipation is a common, heterogeneous disorder with multiple symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms. Patients are often referred to a gastroenterology provider after laxatives fail. However, there is limited knowledge of the spectrum and management of constipation disorders.
AIM: To discuss the latest understanding of the spectrum of constipation disorders, tools for identifying a pathophysiologic-based diagnosis in the specialist setting, treatment options and the patient's perspective of constipation.
METHODS: Literature searches were conducted using PubMed for constipation diagnostic criteria, diagnostic tools and approved treatments. The authors provided insight from their own practices.
RESULTS: Clinical assessment, stool diaries and Rome IV diagnostic criteria can facilitate diagnosis, evaluate severity and distinguish between IBS with constipation, chronic idiopathic constipation and dyssynergic defecation. Novel smartphone applications can help track constipation symptoms. Rectal examinations, anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion, assessments of neuromuscular function with colonic transit time and colonic manometry can provide mechanistic understanding of underlying pathophysiology. Treatments include lifestyle and diet changes, biofeedback therapy and pharmacological agents. Several classes of laxatives, as well as prokinetic and prosecretory agents, are available; here we describe their mechanisms of action, efficacy and side effects.
CONCLUSIONS: Constipation includes multiple overlapping subtypes identifiable using detailed history, current diagnostic tools and smartphone applications. Recognition of individual subtype(s) could pave the way for optimal, evidence-based treatments by a gastroenterology provider.
Recommended Citation
Sharma, Amol; Rao, Satish S C; Kearns, Kimberly; Orleck, Kimberly D; and Waldman, Scott A, "Review article: diagnosis, management and patient perspectives of the spectrum of constipation disorders." (2021). Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers. Paper 132.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/petfp/132
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
PubMed ID
33909919
Language
English
Comments
This article is the author's final published version in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Volume 53, Issue 12, June 2021, Pages 1250 - 1267.
The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16369
Copyright 2021 The Authors. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.