Download Constipation Brochure - Singapore General Hospital

WHAT IS
CONSTIPATION
CAN YOU DEVELOP
COMPLICATIONS
In
Constipation is one of the most common
gastrointestinal
complaints
worldwide.
Virtually everyone will experience constipation
at some point in their life. It is more common in
women and in the elderly.
WHAT TESTS MUST
YOU UNDERGO
Group 1 (those with any ‘alarm’ signs)
•
passing blood or mucus in the stools
•
loss of weight and appetite
abdominal lump or pain
Excessive or inadequate fibre and liquids
in the diet
•
•
Lack of physical activity (especially in the
elderly)
These patients will benefit from an evaluation
of the colon either by X-rays (barium enema) or
a colonoscopy.
•
Medications (eg. painkillers, antacids,
antidepressants)
Group 2 (those with suspected functional
bowel disorders)
Changes in lifestyles (eg. Pregnancy,
travel)
•
Colorectal disease
•
Irritable bowel syndrome
•
Neurological disease (eg. after stroke,
diabetes)
is
not
•
when above routine tests are normal
•
patients remain symptomatic
These patient will be offered tests to assess
anal muscle tone (anorectal manometry), time
for stool to empty (colonic transit study) and
completeness
of
stool
emptying
(defaecograpy).
•
haemorrhoids
•
fissures (anal tears)
•
ulcers
•
bleeding or mucoid discharge from any of
above causes
Tests performed depend on the duration and
severity of constipation. In most cases, no
extensive testing is required and dietary advice
with medications is all that is needed. Those
above the age of 50 years will benefit from a
scope, to exclude colorectal cancer.
•
•
constipation
can develop several problems, including:
In 2 groups of persons, more testing will be
performed.
WHAT CAUSES
CONSTIPATION
where
corrected and becomes prolonged, patients
Constipation is generally defined as having
less than 3 bowel movements per week. Stools
are usually hard, dry and difficult to expel.
Some people experience pain from straining
during bowel movements and may also
experience bloating and abdominal discomfort.
Constipation is a symptom and not a disease.
In the vast majority of cases, it is temporary
and not serious. Occasionally, it can be a sign
of more serious underlying diseases and will
warrant further investigation.
situations
•
anorecal prolapse
•
abdominal
hernia
(from
constant
straining)
Treatment often has to be individualized to the
patient. More than one treatment may be
necessary for a successful outcome.
HOW IS
CONSTIPATION
TREATED
Treatment depends on the cause, severity and
duration of constipation. Options include:
•
Dietary and lifestyle modifications
•
Laxatives
•
Biofeedback exercises
anorectal dysfunction)
•
Surgical removal of the colon (in those with
mechanical obstruction like cancer or rectal
prolapse, where all other treatment has
failed)
(in
some
with
A Patient’s Guide to …
CONSTIPATION
 What is constipation?
 What causes constipation?
Department of Colorectal
Surgery
Singapore General Hospital
Block 6, Level 7
Singapore General Hospital
Singapore 169608
 What are the tests you may be
required to undergo?
 Can you develop complications
from constipation?
 How is constipation treated?
A Public Education Initiative by
CONTACT US
The instructions in this leaflet are not intended to
be exhaustive. In specific cases, you may receive
different or additional instructions from your
doctor. You are advised to follow any specific
instructions given to you by your healthcare
provider. Please ask when in doubt.
General Enquiries (SGH Operator)
- 62223322
Appointments
- 63214377
Department of Colorectal Surgery