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Constipation

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Geriatric Gastroenterology

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Abstract

Constipation is a common syndrome in older individuals. Constipation is defined as a frequency of defecation fewer than three times per week in association with additional manifestations as defined in the Rome criteria. Deviations from baseline habits deserve attention and perhaps evaluation. Motility and structural abnormalities are two important factors contributing to pathogenesis of constipation. Colonic motor dysfunction is associated with several factors, predominantly dietary, medication, and disease. A thorough medical history helps identify etiology and helps management of constipation. More specialized tests of colonic transit or pelvic floor function are considered in older adults in selected cases and in the settings where the findings influence management decisions. Management strategy includes life style modification, use of fiber, pharmacologic measures, and rarely miscellaneous modalities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA

    T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF (Professor of Medicine, Associate Dean)

  2. Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center (North Division), 600 East 233rd Street, Bronx, New York, 10466, USA

    T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF (Vice Chairman)

  3. Division of Geriatrics, Montefiore Medical Center (North Division), 600 East 233rd Street, Bronx, NY, 10466, USA

    T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF (Clinical Director)

  4. Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program, Montefiore Medical Center (North Division), 600 East 233rd Street, Bronx, NY, 10466, USA

    T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF (Program Director)

  5. Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1650 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY, 10457, USA

    David Widjaja MD

  6. Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, Drexel University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF (Clinical Professor of Medicine)

  7. New York Medical College, Vallhala, NY, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF (Adjunct Professor of Medicine)

  8. Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF (Chief)

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  1. T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF
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  6. C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF
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  7. C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF
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Correspondence to David Widjaja MD .

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  1. Hospital, Department of Medicine, Saint Peter’s University, 254 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, 08901, New Jersey, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni

  2. (North Division), Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 600 East 233rd Street, Bronx, 10466, New York, USA

    T. S. Dharmarajan

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Dharmarajan, T.S. et al. (2012). Constipation. In: Pitchumoni, C., Dharmarajan, T. (eds) Geriatric Gastroenterology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1623-5_34

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