Chronic Constipation
摘要
Chronic constipation is a condition presented by certain subjects who have limited capacity or extreme difficulty defecating regularly, in addition to making a great overexertion. It usually generates abdominal and perianal pain, abdominal distension, and other symptoms such as meteorism. It is considered chronic if it lasts more than 3 months. It can affect 15% of the world’s population, being more prevalent in people over 65 years of age and in women. The etiology is very diverse; it may be due to the consumption of certain drugs, metabolic or neurological diseases, and a certain lifestyle. The diagnosis will be made mainly on clinical basis, and scales such as the Bristol scale or the Rome IV criteria will be used. In addition, functional tests and imaging tests may be performed. Conventional treatments are laxative drugs, dietary recommendations, and improvement of lifestyle habits. Physiotherapy treatment consists of pelvic floor rehabilitation, respiratory physiotherapy, abdominal manual therapy, hypopressive exercises, and postural re-education during defecation.