This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Pathophysiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

In most cases of constipation, there are a combination of aetiological factors responsible. Commonly, the mixture is of a low fibre diet, not drinking enough fluids, inactivity, obesity, and a persistent failure to respond to the urge to defaecate.

Other factors such as the long term use of purgatives can cause constipation by rendering the bowel atonic - this may be temporary or permanent.

Drugs such as codeine and opiates slow gut motility and so may cause constipation. Other drugs, such as aluminium hydroxide and iron, solidify the stool and so can cause constipation.

Endocrine and metabolic disturbances such as hypothyroidism and hypercalcaemia may cause constipation.


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.