SMALL INTESTINE AND COLON CONSTIPATION Flashcards
In bowel habit, what is normal?
There is no definition for normal bowel frequency, but what is usual for that individual, whether there has been a change, and whether it is causing problems.
what is constipation?
Towel movement that is Too slow
- Reduced bowel frequency (constant sensation of having to empty)
- Hard / firm stools
- Straining
What is considered as chronic constipation?
Vast majority of chronic constipation is functional problem i.e. no organic pathology (which mean it is symptom of something serious like bowel cancer.)
Chronic constipation may be associated with…
Electrolyte disturbance
– Hormonal: hypothyroidism, diabetes, pregnancy
– Neurological or pelvic muscle disorders
– Obstruction: stricture (diverticular disease related); rectal prolapse
What are the alarming features of constipation?
- A recent change in bowel habit
- Blood in bowel motions (except when suggestive of haemorrhoids)
- Weight loss
- Iron deficiency
- Strong family history of colorectal cancer.
Management of functional constipation?
- Fibre
- Fluid intake
- Lifestyle
- Laxatives — osmotic preferable over stimulant
what is Diarrhoea?
When the stool moves too fast, there’s an increase in bowel frequency, and loses or watery stool.
Acute diarrhoea is classified as?
Less than 2 weeks
Persistent diarrhoea is classified as?
more than 2 weeks
Chronic diarrhoea is classified as?
more than 4 weeks
what are the causes of chronic diarrhoea?
- Functional (as part of irritable bowel syndrome)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Coeliac disease — disease of the immune system, the immune system destroy the villi.
- Medications
What are the alarming features of diarrhoea?
- A recent change in bowel habit
- Blood in bowel motions
- Weight loss
- Iron deficiency
- Strong family history of colorectal cancer
