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Clinical Definition:

• infrequent & difficulty in bowel movements (< 3 per week)
• and/or the presence of additional symptoms such as hard stools, excessive straining, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, a feeling of anorectal blockage, and the need for manual maneuvers to facilitate defecation </aside>

Etiology DDx → Key Investigations

*NOTE: this does not include Mimiker DDx. Open the disease sub-page to check for those

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!Red Flag (must not miss)

These are conditions that are emergently life-threatening or have severe consequences w/t early treatment

• ‣
• ‣ | ‣ | - FMHx of Colon Cancer
• Sudden onset
• refractory to medication

• 50 yo | ‣ - anemia ‣ | </aside>

Primary Causes

• Lack of stool bulk → need fiber
• Primary Defactory Disorder → Will have urge to defecate
• Abnormal GI transit / mobility → no urge to defecate
• IBS - irritable bowel syndrome

Secondary Causes

Medication Causes

• Anti-cholinergic, e.g. TCA
• Oral Iron Supplement
• Opioid (Narcotics)
• Ca Supplement → Ca CO3
• Antacid → Al, Ca