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Related Concept Videos

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...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome01:23

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 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

The pathophysiology of chronic constipation.

Christopher N Andrews1, Martin Storr

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. candrews@ucalgary.ca

Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology = Journal Canadien De Gastroenterologie
|November 25, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Constipation involves infrequent or difficult defecation. Causes are categorized as primary (colonic/anorectal issues) or secondary (disease/medication related).

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Digestive Health

Background:

  • Constipation is a common condition defined by infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
  • Understanding its pathophysiology is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the normal processes of colonic transit and defecation.
  • To categorize and discuss the various etiologies of constipation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of colonic transit and defecation.
  • Categorization of constipation into primary and secondary causes.

Main Results:

  • Primary constipation stems from intrinsic colonic or anorectal dysfunction.
  • Secondary constipation arises from underlying diseases or medications.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 27, 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

Conclusions:

  • Constipation has diverse origins, broadly classified into primary and secondary types.
  • A comprehensive understanding of these causes is essential for clinical practice.