Constipation Flashcards
What is constipation?
The infrequent passage of small amounts of faeces leading to symptoms
What are some idiopathic causes?
- IBS
- Slow transit
- Megacolon
- megarectum
What are the two causes of constipation to investigate in women who have had kids?
Rectoceale
Intussception
What are the drug causes of constipation (three)
Opiates
Anticholinergics
Iron
What are some metabolic causes of constipation (four)
Hypercalcaemia
Hypothyroid
Hypokalaemia
Diabetes - neuropathy and dysmobility
What are some neurological causes of constipation (four)
Spinal cord lesion
Hirschprungs
Parkinsons
Trauma in CNS - stroke etc
What is anismus?
Failure of external anal sphincter to relax (pudendal)
What are the spaces anterior and posterior to the uterus?
Rectouterine pouch
Vesicouterine pouch
What are some psychatric causes?
Anxiety
Abuse
Depression
What is IBS?
12 weeks of the year with abdo pain and discomfort plus change in stool and relief with defaction
What are some physical causes?
Megarectum
Megacolon
Intussception
Prolapse
What is obstructed defocation syndrome and what are the symptoms?
Problem with distal rectum and more common in multiparous women.
Intussception
rectocele
Symptoms - straining, pain, incomplete evacuation, dependent on laxitives
