PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 11483445

Constipation: evaluation and management.

M L Borum
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Constipation is a common symptom that can result from several disorders. Most patients with chronic constipation do not have a medical disorder contributing to the constipation and, therefore, require limited evaluation. Initial intervention should include dietary measures and fiber supplements; however, if fiber supplementation is ineffective, other agents can be used. Surgery should be reserved for patients who meet specific clinical criteria.

Explore related subjects

CatharticsChronic DiseaseConstipationDietary FiberEnemaFamily PracticeHumansPatient Education as TopicPrimary Health CareRisk FactorsJournal ArticleReview

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

M L Borum. 2001. Constipation: evaluation and management.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0095-4543(05)70054-3

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2001

What is the role of stimulant laxatives in the management of childhood constipation and soiling?.

BACKGROUND: Constipation is extremely common in childhood and may lead to overflow soiling/encopresis. Standard treatment of the more severe case is to empty the bowels of impacted faeces by the use of oral or rectal laxatives and then maintain regular bowel movements by the continuation of osmotic and stimulant laxatives. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the review was to determine the effect of stimulant laxative treatment in children with chronic constipation who may also suffer from soiling / encopresis. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane database of randomised controlled trials was searched. Additional citations were sought by hand searching of paediatric journals and from contact with known professionals in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: All identified randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compare the administering of stimulant laxatives to children with either placebo or alternative treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: No trials were found that met the selection criteria. MAIN RESULTS: No trials were found that adequately met the selection criteria. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The need exists to establish a secure footing for treatment decisions and adequately sized trials are required to provide comparative data on commonly used drugs.

Cathartics↗