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Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

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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.
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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...
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Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
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Gender differences in chronic constipation on anorectal motility.

M Zakari1, J Nee1, W Hirsch1

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.

Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|November 29, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Men with chronic constipation exhibit distinct anorectal manometry (ARM) findings and symptoms compared to women. These sex-specific differences in physiology suggest varied underlying causes for constipation in men and women.

Keywords:
anal sphincteranorectal disordersanorectal manometrychronic constipationdyssynergic defecationgender

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Physiology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Chronic constipation (CC) predominantly affects women, but men represent a significant patient group.
  • Understanding sex-specific differences in CC pathophysiology is crucial for targeted treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate sex-specific differences in symptoms and anorectal manometry (ARM) parameters in patients with chronic constipation.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study compared men and age-matched women (2:1 ratio) undergoing ARM for CC evaluation.
  • Data included 3D high-resolution ARM parameters, ROME III constipation module, and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 (PFDI-20) scores.
  • Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified sex-specific differences and predictors of abnormal findings.

Main Results:

  • Men demonstrated higher sphincter resting and squeeze pressures than women.
  • Men reported less severe straining and incomplete evacuation but had a greater rectoanal pressure differential and smaller defecation index.
  • Women were more likely to have abnormal balloon expulsion time (BET), with male gender being an independent predictor of normal BET.

Conclusions:

  • Significant sex-specific differences exist in symptom presentation and ARM-derived physiologic parameters in patients with chronic constipation.
  • These findings suggest distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying CC in men and women, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches.