Constipation is a common complaint that results from decreased frequency of abnormally firm motions for a particular patient. It must be related to the patient’s normal bowel habit. Acute constipation may be due to acute intestinal obstruction (p. 252), generalised abdominal disease, or sudden alteration in routine, e.g. admission to hospital. Hirschsprung’s disease usually presents with constipation from birth. Gross abdominal distension may eventually occur. The condition may not be picked up until well into the teens or even early adult life. There may be rapid onset of constipation, although the onset is usually gradual with the patient complaining of colicky abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, lethargy and occasionally spurious diarrhoea. Constipation may occur from pressure from adjacent organs, e.g. with pregnancy, ovarian cyst or large fibroids. Diverticular disease with or without stricture may cause constipation.
Constipation
History
Congenital
Acquired
Obstruction
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Constipation
