Tratamiento del estreñimiento
- Prieto Vicente, Vanessa
- Mora Soler, Ana María
- Sánchez Garrido, Á.
- Riesco Cuadrado, V.
ISSN: 0304-5412
Year of publication: 2012
Issue Title: Enfermedades del aparato digestivo (VI): enfermedades del tubo digestivo: intestino delgado y grueso
Series: 11
Issue: 6
Pages: 337-346
Type: Article
More publications in: Medicine: Programa de Formación Médica Continuada Acreditado
Abstract
The treatment for constipation is symptomatic and must be addressed individually. After ruling out an organic origin, most of the cases can be attributed to a functional chronic constipation, which receives a gradual treatment that starts with some changes on the lifestyle (avoiding a sedentary routine, for example) and some dietary advice. All drugs that cause constipation must be removed or reduced, and a gradual increase in the fiber uptake (either with standard fiber supplements or included into the diet) and an increase in the liquid uptake are recommended. The second step includes osmotic laxatives. The best approach is the use of polyethylene glycol or lactulose. The third step involves stimulant laxatives, enemas and prokinetic agents. On the other hand, the purpose of biofeedback therapy is to learn about the defecatory dynamics, whereas surgery is only indicated for a minor proportion of patients who do not respond to conservative therapies.