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This means the nerve signals are interrupted and are slower. This causes muscle contractions to be irregular and fewer, resulting in an increased colon transit time. [12] The feces stay in the colon for a longer period of time, meaning that more water is absorbed. This leads to harder stools and therefore increases the symptoms of constipation.
[70] [71] Worrisome features include onset at greater than 50 years of age, weight loss, blood in the stool, iron-deficiency anemia, or a family history of colon cancer, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. [7] The criteria for selecting tests and investigations also depends on the level of available medical resources. [72]
Constipation is the most common chronic gastrointestinal disorder in adults. Depending on the definition employed, it occurs in 2% to 20% of the population. [18] [58] It is more common in women, the elderly and children. [58] Specifically constipation with no known cause affects females more often affected than males. [59]
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Obstructed defecation syndrome (abbreviated as ODS, with many synonymous terms) is a major cause of functional constipation (primary constipation), [19] of which it is considered a subtype. [20] It is characterized by difficult and/or incomplete emptying of the rectum with or without an actual reduction in the number of bowel movements per week ...
Hypothyroidism can also cause chronic constipation because of sluggish, slower, or weaker colon contractions. Iron supplements or increased blood calcium levels are also potential causes. Spinal cord injury is a common cause of constipation, due to ileus. [citation needed]
Anismus is classified as a functional defecation disorder. It is also a type of rectal outlet obstruction (a functional outlet obstruction). Where anismus causes constipation, it is an example of functional constipation. Many authors describe an "obstructed defecation syndrome", of which anismus is a cause. [24]
Functional constipation, also known as chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), is defined by less than three bowel movements per week, hard stools, severe straining, the sensation of anorectal blockage, the feeling of incomplete evacuation, and the need for manual maneuvers during feces, without organic abnormalities.