An overview of interventions for constipation in adults

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Constipation is a prevalent condition significantly impacting patients' quality of life (QOL).
• A universal definition of constipation is lacking, necessitating detailed patient history for diagnosis.
• Physicians face challenges in diagnosing the cause and selecting appropriate treatments due to complexity and varied options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiology and diagnostic approaches for constipation.
• To discuss available interventions, including non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and invasive methods.
• To address treatment options for patients refractory to standard therapies.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review utilizing PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov.
• Focused search on studies and reviews published between 2000 and 2020.
• Analysis of diagnostic strategies and therapeutic interventions for constipation.

Main Results:

• Accurate diagnosis relies on medical history, physical assessment, and targeted tests.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are effective for many patients.
• Pharmacological and invasive options exist for refractory cases, including acupuncture and surgery.

Conclusions:

• Careful consideration of pathophysiology is crucial for effective constipation management.
• A stepwise approach, starting with non-pharmacological methods, is recommended.
• A range of treatments are available for diverse patient needs, including those unresponsive to initial therapies.