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Conclusion
Constipation is defined in several ways and is frequently misunderstood. Because some patients mistakenly believe they should have a bowel movement every day, they believe they are constipated when they are not. Adding fiber to the diet does not prevent constipation, but it is slightly helpful in the treatment of constipation. Causes of constipation are low calorie intake, medication use (the number of medications used) low income, and low educational level. Constipation is also associated with physical and sexual abuse. Some cases of constipation are a sign of more serious disease, such as colon cancer, neurological problems, or Hirschsprung's disease. Patients with constipation may simply need counseling. Mild laxatives, such as bulk laxatives, stool softeners, combined with increased fluid intake and exercise may also be helpful. Enemas and harsh laxatives should be reserved for severe cases of constipation.
Sources
Locke GR III, and others. AGA technical review on constipation. American Gastroenterological Association. Gastroenterology - 01-DEC-2000; 119(6): 1766-78.
Lennard-Jones, JE. Constipation. In: Feldman, M, Lawrence S. and Sleisenger LS. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders; 2002: 181-207.
National Institute of Health. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Constipation. Available at http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation. Accessed December 12, 2004.
National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Constipation. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003125.htm. Accessed December 12, 2004.
Williams, CT. Constipation. In: Noble, J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc; 2001: 172-175.
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