Chronic Constipation

Dr. Adil Bharucha, a Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, reviews his article (coauthored with Dr. Arnold Wald) appearing in the November 2019 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings looking at this common symptom that occurs in about every one in six persons, but more frequently in women and which usually is idiopathic and often caused by medication in-take. Dr. Bharucha notes it is important to carefully review the symptoms to rule out defecatory disorders and recommends beginning with over-the-counter fiber supplement and/or an osmotic laxatives before moving to prescription medications to reduce patient expenses. He notes patients benefit from biofeedback but this is not widely available. Related article available at: https://mayocl.in/2Od5kkt