Constipation

• Perform a patient-centered interview and focused physical exam for constipation, including identification of red flags
• Propose a relevant differential diagnosis that includes common causes of constipation and less common but important causes of constipation
• Propose non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic management strategies for constipation

Core Resources

CARE Guidance on Chronic Constipation Management

Gastroenterology Faculty: Guidance on Chronic Constipation Management: General Practitioner Version. CARE website. http://www.careeducation.ca/

Constipation in a 40-year-old woman

Panda H, Andrews CN. Constipation in a 40-year-old woman. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2016;188(4):277-278. doi:10.1503/cmaj.150761.

Supplemental Resources

Treatment of constipation in older people

Gandell D, Straus SE, Bundookwala M, Tsui V, Alibhai SM. Treatment of constipation in older people. CMAJ. 2013;185(8):663-670. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.120819 [doi].