Constipation: There May be a Number of Underlying Causes
Sheldon Singh, BSc
Constipation is a very common complaint. In the United States, it accounts for over 2.5 million physician visits annually. The occurrence is highest among individuals 65 years and older.1 Constipation has been shown to diminish the quality of life and well-being of individuals. It may also lead to complications such as fecal impaction, fecal incontinence, dilatation and even perforation of the colon.
Defining Constipation
Constipation is not easily defined. Since more than ninety-five percent of the population have between three bowel movements a day and three bowel movements a week, constipation has historically been defined as the passage of fewer than three bowel movements a week. However, most would agree that the effort needed to pass stool and the consistency of the stool are more important; difficulty passing stool, even if one passes stool daily, may constitute constipation. Thus, constipation may be defined as persistent symptoms of difficult, infrequent, or seemingly incomplete evacuation.