Fact sheet Constipation

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Fact sheet Constipation Page 1 Contents Definition 2 Prevalence and incidence 2 Signs and symptoms 2 Causes/risk factors 2 Pathophysiology (mechanism of disease) 4 Prognosis and complications 4 Diagnosis/detection 6 Non-pharmacological treatment 6 Pharmacological treatment 6 Patient support 8 Further resources 9 External websites 9 References 9 Fact sheet Constipation Page 2 Definition Constipation is a disorder where a person passes infrequent stools, has difficulty passing stools, or experiences sensation of incomplete emptying. Previously Constipation has been defined as less than three spontaneous bowel movements per week.

Fact sheet Constipation Page 6 Bowel obstruction – Causes and pathophysiology Return to contents Diagnosis/detection Visit the NICE clinical knowledge summary pages, Constipation - Diagnosis - When should I suspect constipation? and Constipation – Assessment - How should I assess an adult with constipation? for information about how constipation is diagnosed and …

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