Constipation Disease Process
Casie Coffin
Disease Process ___Constipation____________________________________________
Pathophysiology
Poorly understood but is thought to include interference with one of the three major functions of the colon: mucosal transport, myoelectric activity, or the processes of defecation. The urge to defecate is stimulated normally by rectal distension that initiates a series of four actions: Stimulation of the inhibitory recto anal reflex, relaxation of the internal sphincter muscle, relaxation of the external sphincter muscles in the pelvic region, and increased intra-abdominal pressure. Interference with any of these processes can lead to constipation. If all organic causes are eliminated, idiopathic or functional constipation is diagnosed. When the urge to defecate is ignored, the rectal mucous membrane and musculature become insensitive to the presence of fecal masses, and consequently a stronger stimulus is required to produce the necessary peristaltic rush for defecation. Atony or decreased muscle tone occurs with aging. This may lead to constipation because the stool is retained for longer periods.
Etiology
Predisposing factors in healthy people include a diet that lacks fiber, inadequate consumption of fluids, a sedentary lifestyle, and advancing age. Many drugs, including opiates, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, antiemetics, and anticholinergics also cause constipation. Among metabolic illness hypothyroidism, and disorders of calcium metabolism occasionally contribute to difficulty with the passage of stools. Pathological lesions of the bowel (i.e., diverticular disease, anorectal gonorrhea, hemorrhoids, or obstructions die to tumors, adhesions, or incarcerated hernias) may also be responsible.
Clinical Manifestations
Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week.
Abdominal distension
Pain and
Disease Process ___Constipation____________________________________________
Pathophysiology
Poorly understood but is thought to include interference with one of the three major functions of the colon: mucosal transport, myoelectric activity, or the processes of defecation. The urge to defecate is stimulated normally by rectal distension that initiates a series of four actions: Stimulation of the inhibitory recto anal reflex, relaxation of the internal sphincter muscle, relaxation of the external sphincter muscles in the pelvic region, and increased intra-abdominal pressure. Interference with any of these processes can lead to constipation. If all organic causes are eliminated, idiopathic or functional constipation is diagnosed. When the urge to defecate is ignored, the rectal mucous membrane and musculature become insensitive to the presence of fecal masses, and consequently a stronger stimulus is required to produce the necessary peristaltic rush for defecation. Atony or decreased muscle tone occurs with aging. This may lead to constipation because the stool is retained for longer periods.
Etiology
Predisposing factors in healthy people include a diet that lacks fiber, inadequate consumption of fluids, a sedentary lifestyle, and advancing age. Many drugs, including opiates, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, antiemetics, and anticholinergics also cause constipation. Among metabolic illness hypothyroidism, and disorders of calcium metabolism occasionally contribute to difficulty with the passage of stools. Pathological lesions of the bowel (i.e., diverticular disease, anorectal gonorrhea, hemorrhoids, or obstructions die to tumors, adhesions, or incarcerated hernias) may also be responsible.
Clinical Manifestations
Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week.
Abdominal distension
Pain and