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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