Common causes of constipation

Pathophysiologically, chronic constipation generally results from inadequate fiber intake or from disordered colonic transit or anorectal function as a result of a neurogastroenterologic disturbance, certain drugs, or in association with a large number of systemic diseases that affect the gastroinestinal tract . Constipation of recent onset may be a symptom of significant organic disease such as tumor or stricture. In idiopathic constipation, a subset of patients exhibit delayed emptying of the ascending and transverse colon with prolongation of transit (often in the proximal colon) and a reduced frequency of propulsive colonic contractions (HAPCs). Outlet obstruction to defecation (also called evacuation disorders) may cause delayed colonic transit, which is usually corrected by biofeedback retraining of the disordered defecation. Constipation of any cause may be exacerbated by chronic illnesses that lead to physical or mental impairment andresult in inactivity or physical immobility.

Types of Constipation and Causes	Examples
Recent onset
Colonic obstruction	Neoplasm: stricture: ischemic, diverticular, inflammatory
Anal sphincter spasm	Anal fissure, painful hemorrhoids Medications
Chronic
Irritable bowel syndrome
Medications	Calcium blockers, antidepressants
Colonic pseudo-obstruction	Slow transit constipation, megacolon (rare Hirschsprung’s, Chagas)
Disorders of rectal evacuation	Pelvic floor dysfunction, anismus, descending perineum syndrome, rectal mucosal prolapse, rectocele
Endocrinopathies	Hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia, pregnancy
Psychiatric disorders	Depression, eating disorders
Neurologic disease	Parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury
Generalized muscle disease
Progressive systemic sclerosis

Further readings

what is constipation?

Investigation of severe constipation

Treatment for constipation

Dietary fibers and constipation

Herbal medicine (complementary/alternative medicine) for constipation