Gestroenterology

Question 1

Constipation

Answer 1

Symptom based disorder where patients have difficulties passing stools or incomplete emptying

Rome IV criteria: less than 3 stools pw
chronic constipation > 3 months

primary = unknown cause
secondary = due to medications or organic condition

Question 2

causes of constipation + RF

Answer 2

primary = unknown cause

secondary:
- medications:
opioids, NSAIDs, amitriptyline, anti-epileptics, furosemide, anti-psychotics
- organic:
DM, hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypokalaemia, CVD, MS, strictures, haemorrhoids, diverticular disease, IBD, IBS

RF: inactivity, low fibre diet, female, increased age.