[Etiology and management of habitual constipation (author's transl)]

Habitual constipation is present, if defecation occurs because of prolonged retention of stool in the colon less than three times per week. Motility of the intestine is increased in these cases, not decreased as has been thought for long time. Several factors of modern civilization favor habitual constipation, e.g. nutrition devoided of poorly digestible ingredients, and lack of physical exercise. The diagnosis of habitual constipation should only be made after careful exclusion of all organic causes by means of x-ray and endoscopic examination. Therapy is conservative in most cases. The diet ought to be rich in indigestible ingredients; eating and defecation habits have to be adapted to a regular pattern. Hydrophilic colloid laxatives may be used as well as in a limited extent laxatives effective on an osmotic basis. Laxatives acting more drastically or being effective upon contact with the intestinal mucosa are not suited for long-term therapy of constipation. Surgery is indicated only in a few cases.