Constipation

Definition

Constipation is an acute or chronic condition in which bowel movements occur less often than usual or consist of hard, dry stools that are often painful or difficult to pass. Here constipation other than specifically described elsewhere, such as in motility disorders of intestine or in functional bowel diseases, is described.

Exclusions

• Functional constipation
• Functional constipation of infants, toddlers or children
• Atonic constipation
• Slow transit constipation
• Neurogenic constipation
• Spastic constipation

Inclusions

• faecal impaction

Index Terms