Definition
- Persistent, difficult, infrequent, or seemingly incomplete defecation
- Frequency: fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
- Consistency: lumpy or hard in >1 in 4 defecations
- Excessive straining in >1 in 4 defecations
- Prolonged defecation time
- Need to support the perineum or manually evacuate the anorectum with a finger
- Stool frequency alone is not a sufficient criterion for the diagnosis of constipation.
- Clinically may result in abdominal pain, distention, and fecal impaction, with consequent obstruction or, rarely, perforation
Constipation has been found in Harrison's Practice
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