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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Feces Formation and Defecation01:26

Feces Formation and Defecation

After spending 3 to 10 hours in the large intestine, chyme loses a lot of water and becomes feces, the final product of digestion. Feces consist of undigested dietary fiber such as cellulose, mucus, sloughed-off epithelial cells, and microbes. The descending and sigmoid colon stores feces and uses haustral contractions to dry it out but retains enough water to give it a semi-solid texture.
The mass peristalsis then pushes the feces into the rectum, which stretches the rectal walls to activate...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives01:22

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives

Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Constipation in childhood.

Suzanne M Mugie1, Carlo Di Lorenzo, Marc A Benninga

  • 1Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Medical Center, Meigbergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands.

Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|August 3, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Childhood constipation, a common pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorder, often stems from stool withholding after painful bowel movements. Diagnosis relies on history, physical exam, and bowel diary, with standard treatment involving education, toilet training, and medication.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 30, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

  • Childhood constipation is a prevalent, long-lasting pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorder.
  • Affects 0.7%–29.6% globally, with significant healthcare costs.
  • Pathophysiology is multifactorial, commonly initiated by stool withholding after painful experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on childhood constipation.
  • To emphasize the latest data on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • To provide an overview of clinical aspects.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive review of existing literature.
  • Synthesis of data on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Focus on recent clinical trials and outcome studies.

Main Results:

  • Diagnosis is typically achieved through medical history, physical examination, and bowel diary.
  • Standard treatment includes education, toilet training, disimpaction, maintenance therapy, and follow-up.
  • Recent advancements in treatment trials and long-term outcome studies are available.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood constipation requires a multifactorial approach to management.
  • Current standard treatments are effective when implemented comprehensively.
  • Ongoing research continues to refine understanding and treatment strategies.