Chapter 14 CHALLENGING CONSTIPATION
INTRODUCTION
It is important to take a detailed history from a patient presenting with constipation and, in particular, to decide whether it is a new symptom or the first presentation of a long-term complaint. Investigations and treatment will be determined by these factors.
CONSTIPATION IN ADULTS
It is important to differentiate between two important disorders of colonic motility:
ASSESSMENT
History
Simple suggestions on dietary modification can make quite a deal of difference.
Ask the patient to keep a diet diary for a few days. Most people overestimate the amount of fibre and underestimate the amount of fat they consume.