• The DIAGNOSIS of Constipation is essentially made from the patient’s description of the symptoms. Bowel movements that are difficult to pass, very firm, or made up of small like pellets qualify as Constipation, even if they occur every day. Other symptoms related to Constipation can include bloating, distention, abdominal pain, or a sense of incomplete emptying.
• Inquiring about dietary habits may reveal a low intake of dietary fiber or inadequate amounts of fluids. Constipation as a result of poor or total loss of movement or physical activity should be considered in the elderly.
• Constipation may arise as a side effect of medications (especially Antidepressants and Opiates).
• During physical examination, Scybala (manually palpable lumps of stool) may be detected when a diagnostician presses on the abdomen.
• Rectal examination gives an impression of the Anal Sphincter tone and whether the lower Rectum contains any feces or not; if so, then suppositories or enemas may be considered. Otherwise, oral medication may be required.
• Rectal examination also gives information on the consistency of the stool, presence of Hemorrhoids, and whether any tumors or abnormalities are present.
• X-rays of the abdomen, may reveal impacted fecal matter in the Colon, and confirm or rule out other causes of similar symptoms.
• Chronic Constipation (symptoms present for more than 3 months at least 3 days per month) associated with abdominal discomfort is often diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) when no obvious cause is found.
A DIAGNOSIS of Constipation generally depends on patient’s Medical history and physical examination. Your Doctor will first want to make sure you don’t have a blockage in your small intestine or Colon (intestinal obstruction), an endocrine condition, such as Hypothyroidism, or an Electrolyte Disturbance, such as excessive Calcium in the blood (Hypocalcaemia). He or she will also want to check your medications in case they may be causing your Constipation.