Constipation is a common disorder affecting approximately 1 out of every 6-7 people worldwide, and annually leading to more than 1.5 million healthcare provider visits in the United States alone.
People can experience short-term constipation as a result of medication use, dietary changes, or even travel. However, most cases of constipation are a chronic or long-lasting condition.
Impact of constipation
Chronic Constipation (CC) has a large economic impact. It has been estimated that, on average, more than $7,500 is spent in direct care of each person with constipation. The result is estimated that over 6 billion dollars is spent diagnosing and 500 million dollars is spent treating this disorder.
On a personal level, constipation can be quite debilitating and significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. It can lead to social isolation, reduced participation in social activities, decrease in productivity, and increased absences from school and/or work.
The overall impact of constipation should neither be minimized nor ignored.
Symptoms you may experience
Constipation is a cluster of symptoms which can vary from person to person. This can include:
- reduced number of bowel movements (BMs) (Less than three BMs per week is considered low. However, people have different ranges of what is normal.)
- passage of hard or pellet-like BMs
- having to strain or excessively push to start or complete a BM
- the patient is feeling as though they did not empty completely after a BM
- a sensation that the necessary muscles will not relax enough to allow stool to be passed needing to change positions on the toilet, push around the groin, or manually pick BMs out of the rectum.
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Watch Dr. Darren Brenner and Registered Dietitian and Patient Advocate Erin Slater as we interview them on Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). Now available on IFFGD’s YouTube Channel.
Learn more About Constipation
- Introduction to Constipation
- Diagnosis of Constipation
- Causes of Constipation
- Normal Function
- Common Questions and Mistaken Beliefs about Constipation
Adapted from IFFGD Publication: 281 “Chronic Constipation: A Comprehensive Overview” By: Darren M. Brenner, M.D., AGAF, FACG, Associate Professor and Director of the Neurogastromotility Program, Division of Gastroenterology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
