Chronic constipation

From Yenra

Chronic constipation is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a prevalent and debilitating condition that is not always well recognized and understood and is in many cases inadequately treated. The recent ROME III guidelines define chronic constipation as two or more of the following symptoms at least a quarter of the time for at least six months: straining, lumpy or hard stools, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, a sensation of anorectal obstruction or blockage, and/or less than three defecations per week. In Europe, an estimated ten million patients frequently visit their doctors with complaints of constipation after dissatisfactory results with over-the-counter medication. Constipation is more common in women than men (estimated prevalence ratio of 2.2:1).