Information on Chronic Constipation

There are two types of chronic constipation: functional and secondary constipation. Functional chronic constipation is not caused by an underlying medical condition while secondary chronic constipation is, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Treatment

• Medications available for chronic constipation include laxatives, enemas and suppositories. Less than 1 percent of patients with chronic constipation need surgery, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, people who have chronic constipation experience painful bowel movements, infrequent bowel movements and often strain when trying to pass bowel movements.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors for chronic constipation include aging, a sedentary lifestyle, being confined to a bed, eating low-fiber diets, not getting enough fluids, taking medications such as sedatives and narcotics, and undergoing chemotherapy, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Complications

• Complications associated with chronic constipation include developing hemorrhoids, fecal impaction, rectal prolapse and developing lazy bowel syndrome, cites the Mayo Clinic.

Diagnosis

• Causes of constipation can be diagnosed by scope tests, scintigraphy tests, anorectal testing, colon motility tests and hydrogen breath tests, according to the Mayo Clinic.