Constipation in adults: diagnosis and management.

Symptoms of constipation occur at all ages, with the greatest prevalence in individuals older than 60 years of age. It is estimated that 35 million individuals suffer from constipation in the USA, but only a small number will ever be diagnosed. Patients identify constipation symptoms differently than physicians.

Constipation: understanding mechanisms and management.

Constipation is a frequently diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder. Symptoms of constipation are common, with the greatest prevalence in the elderly. Evaluation of constipation begins with a detailed medical history and a focused anorectal examination.

Office-based management of fecal incontinence.

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a devastating disorder that is more prevalent than previously realized. FI is the involuntary loss of stool. Many factors contribute to the pathophysiology of FI, including advanced age, bowel irregularity, parity, and obesity.