Constipation

Patients and doctors often define constipation differently. The normal frequency of defaecation is once every 3 days to three times per day, and constipation may be defined as abnormally infrequent defaecation. A change in the normal pattern and frequency for the particular patient is pertinent. There are numerous causes of constipation, and most can be encountered in both primary and secondary care. In patients with chronic constipation without an evident cause, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the cause in 59%, pelvic floor dysfunction in 25%, slow transit in 13%, and a combination of pelvic floor dysfunction and slow transit in 3%. Constipation affects twice as many women as men, with a higher prevalence in pregnant women. Prevalence is also greater in the elderly, affecting ~20% in the community.