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Updated: May 25, 2026

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

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

Published on: August 18, 2023

Factors associated with persistent and nonpersistent chronic constipation, over 20 years.

Rok Seon Choung¹, G Richard Locke, Enrique Rey

¹Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology : the Official Clinical Practice Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association

|February 1, 2012

Summary

The natural history of chronic constipation (CC) reveals a persistent CC prevalence of only 3%. While clinical characteristics are similar, persistent CC patients use more laxatives or fiber, but identifying them prospectively remains challenging.

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Last Updated: May 25, 2026

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

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:

Gastroenterology
Epidemiology
Clinical Medicine

Background:

Chronic constipation (CC) affects up to 20% of the population, yet its natural history is poorly understood.
Understanding the long-term course of CC is crucial for effective patient management and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To estimate the natural history of chronic constipation.
To characterize features distinguishing persistent CC from nonpersistent CC and individuals without constipation.

Main Methods:

A prospective cohort study analyzed data from 2853 subjects over a median of 11.6 years.
Validated surveys were used to categorize subjects into persistent CC, nonpersistent CC, or no constipation groups.
Logistic regression models assessed risk factors associated with constipation status, adjusting for age and sex.

Main Results:

Persistent CC was found in 3% of respondents, nonpersistent CC in 21%, and no constipation in 76%.
High somatic symptom checklist scores (OR=2.1) and frequent doctor visits (OR=2.0) were linked to persistent CC.
Increased laxative or fiber use was significantly associated with persistent CC (OR=3.0).

Conclusions:

The actual prevalence of persistent chronic constipation is low (3%), suggesting prior estimates may be high.
Persistent and nonpersistent CC share similar clinical features, with increased laxative/fiber use being a key differentiator for persistent cases.
Identifying individuals with persistent CC in advance is not currently feasible, highlighting a gap in predictive understanding.